The Postman Always Rings Twice (1981)

Here we go again with Jack Nicholson starring and Bob Rafelson directing. This isn't the classic that Five Easy Pieces is but is certainly still worthy of your attention. Jack plays a rogue drifter, a role he obviously relishes, named Frank who stops in at a remote road side diner/gas station and stays on to work there. Nick, the old Greek fellow that owns the business, is married to a lusty young thing named Cora who is played by a smoking Jessica Lange. Frank forces himself onto Cora, so naturally she falls for him and they conceive to murder the old Ouzo slurping Nick. Shit doesn't quite pan out as they expect and their commitment to one another is sorely tested. It's an intriguing tale of passion and love driving people to commit crimes beyond their normal capacity. It is based on a 1934 novel written by a human who was called James M. Cain. It's a real page turner apparently. The 1946 version of this film is highly praised and I will search it out to compare. It stars Lana Turner and John Garfield and apparently unleashes different fates upon the fawning love birds to this more recent adaption.

The drab setting of the diner and Lange's turn as the desperately unhappy wife set a depressing scene. Jack's magnetic appearance is immediately an obvious potential car crash. A lot of the action that unfolds seemed apparent to me but I was hooked by the compelling mingling of the three main characters. The sex scenes were quite controversial at the time and they are pretty steamy but they're nothing most of you folks wouldn't have seen a hundred times before, you old horn bags. The court room scenes that appear later in the film seemed very pat, perhaps my ingestion of them on tv and film over the years has lent me an unjustified critical eye of fictional law scenes. I do have an imaginary wig I doff when waving my finger and objecting at the television. Events seemed to transpire in an usual way to the end of the film, it felt a little untidy and could have been cut tighter. Angelica Huston makes an unexpected cameo as a lion tamer which sure was a surprise. Although flawed I enjoyed this little noirish trip and I see clearly now...that the postman does always ring twice.

3.5/5

The online videos are all really dark, it doesn't appear like this on DVD.
Trust me folks. 

Nicholson and Rafelson's conspiring on film does not end here. 'The King Of Marvin Gardens' (1972) which received mixed reviews sounds like an interesting romp about an introverted radio DJ getting into mob strife in Atlantic City. They also worked together on 'Man Trouble' (1992) which unfortunately I've encountered and 'Blood and Wine' (1996) which Rafelson has stated is the third part of an informal trilogy consisting of Five Easy Pieces and King Of Marvin Gardens so I guess I should see it despite it's tepid reputation. 
The rest of Rafelson's collection of directed films is an odd bunch. 'Stay Hungry' (1976) starring  Jeff Bridges, Sally Field and a young Austrian bodybuilder who plays...a bodybuilder. Also 'Black Widow' (1987) starring Theresa Russell as a psychopathic man eater and Debra Winger as the copper in pursuit. I'm sure I saw this when I was younger and enjoyed Russell's murderous forays. 
Rafelson seemed to peak with Five Easy Pieces but looks to have remained active directing and producing many other features. 

Five Easy Pieces (1970)

Jack Nicholson is Bobby Dupea, a charismatic drifter working on the oil fields of Southern California and living with his waitress girlfriend Rayette. Bobby roams through life in pursuit of a good time while slugging back the booze. Nothing seems to give him satisfaction, including his relationship. When Bobby quits his job in frustration he takes off north and learns through his sister that their dad is dying. Back at his old family home he can't help but buck against the environment that he turned his back on years earlier.

Bobby entertains the morning commuters 

Jack Nicholson starred in this after appearing in the counter culture epic 'Easy Rider' (1969). It was written by Carol Eastman and director Bob Rafelson who also had a hand in writing, producing and directing everybody's fave faux band 'The Monkees'. Being buddies, Nicholson and Rafelson put Five Easy Pieces together as an opportunity to capitalise on the success of Nicholson's completely awesome appearance in Easy Rider. His portrayal as the wandering narcissist is brilliant and surely must rank as one of his best performances. All the cast is excellent, Karen Black as the pitiful wannabe country singer was also Oscar nominated. Our introduction to Bobby leads to assumptions about his character but as the movie continues details are revealed and events move into interesting territory. I imagine a lot of people will be able to empathise with Bobby's lack of direction in life. Hand up over here.
This is an American film gem, why do they make so much shit when they obviously figured it out in 1970? If you can see the newly remastered version making the rounds in some smaller quality cinemas I insist you see it. I insist damn it. No cars blowing up here, just some fantastic internal/external combustions.
4.5/5

Master With Cracked Fingers (1979)

On a slow afternoon I decided to watch a title from what I will now refer to as my 'Jugger 20 Pack'. Without knowing anything about this film I pressed play on the DVD player. Feelings of confusion, bemusement and amusement ensued. Here's why friend...
Straight away I realised this is one of those movies that some modern day filmmakers try to emulate tongue in cheek. Fast close ups into the eyes of a deadly serious and rake thin warrior, slow motion kicks of clay pots filled with doves, edits that leave you disoriented and so on. I wanted more.
An impetuous child, Jacky, wants to learn kung fu but his pa will not allow it. On the sly he begs a creepy old drunk 'The man who isn't there', a master of the ancient art to teach him. Jacky continues training into his adulthood and becomes a kung fu hotshot. While working at a restaurant he crosses path with a local gang of extortionists and a feud develops. Jacky finds out they are responsible for his father's death and a duel with the boss ensues.
The first part of the film involving child Jacky was pretty entertaining. There's a great scene where old drunky is training the kid by making him squat over a bowl of fire with an egg between his legs. A chicken leg is dangled in front of Jacky and he is beaten on the head from time to time. Great stuff. My copy of this was subtitled (terribly) but apparently most copies you would come across have been dubbed using ridiculous American and English accents. 




The dizzying array of unconventional edits and what seemed unrelated material continued throughout. The colouring of the actual film in certain scenes appeared stained and stand in actors looked to be popping in for the old man and Jacky. What was going on? My confusion was briefly suspended as I entered a state of bewilderment, my jaw agape as I witnessed a bizarre scene which involves a camp crook utilising majong style kung fu and Pop Eye references against the drunk in a feat of wits. I dare you to watch this, notice how deftly Jacky is brushed aside.




The randomness continued throughout. The desire to press stop on the DVD was only halted by my desire to see what other craziness awaited. The final battle scene is a prolonged affair that starts on the wharf against a dozen cronies and ends with Jacky blindfolded and battling the big boss. As the boss tumbles over a cliff the film abruptly ends, no credits. 
I commenced my research, certain there must be some explanation to this films existence. The first thing I was surprised to learn was I had been watching a young Jackie Chan, only 17 when he shot this film known as 'Cub Tiger From Kwang Tung'. I'm sorry I did not recognise you Jackie. I have read conflicting accounts but apparently this original film was not entirely completed although it was still released in 1971. Chan went on to star in several other martial art films in the 70s such as 'Drunken Master' (1978) and the rights were purchased of Cub Tiger by some opportunist. Extra scenes were shot without Chan including the above majong scene which explains Jacky's quick exit as well as the final scene in which he fights blindfolded, an attempt to disguise the stand in actor. I believe the old drunk though when he yelled, "Don't take off the blindfold Jacky! You won't be able to beat him without it!'. Scenes from other Chan films were also used as filler.

Despite suffering near crippling alcoholism,
this man remains a powerful kung fu master

Apparently Chan has disowned this movie and I can't blame him. Despite the entertainment I got from this I was mostly amused for all the wrong reasons, and it was also a grueling test of stamina. Horrible editing and acting throughout and the original film was obviously in quite poor condition resulting in an ugly transfer. This is the sort of thing they should be playing at cult film nights at the pub or cinema not rancid shit like 'Mega Shark vs Giant Octopus'. For best results this should be viewed with buddies, beer and chicken legs. 
1.5/5

The Fighter (2011)

It seems like we need a great boxing movie every now and then. Despite condemnation of the 'sweet science' by many, it seems we're all able to get behind a tale of a kid, down on his luck and punching his way back to the top. What's not to love god damn it!
Based on the true story of 'Irish' Micky Ward, Mark Wahlberg plays the central character who is a solid boxer but going nowhere fast. Years of mismanagement from his crack smoking brother and interfering mother have been tough on Micky. Christain Bale is excellent as the bro Dicky Eklund, a former boxer himself who fought Sugar Ray Leonard and is immensely likable, yet immensely unreliable. Melissa Leo is also great as the ball busting Mum. While the boxing story is pretty formulaic, it's the strained and tested relationships that revolve around the family and Micky's career that make this so good. 
David O. Russell directed 'Three Kings' (1999) and 'I ♥ Huckabees' (2004) and is known for his explosive onset behaviour. There is some notorious footage of him absolutely unloading on Lilly Tomlin on the set of Huckabees. This energy at least seems to translate to the screen.




Set in Lowell, Massachusetts, the rampant drug problem among the poor and unemployed is an integral force in the story. For some extra curricular viewing check out the very relevant documentary 'High On Crack Street: Lost Lives In Lowell' (1995) which was originally aired on HBO. It follows Dicky and a couple of his crack pals chasing their next score, contemplating getting clean and the harsh results of their addictions. While Dicky only features for about 15 minutes, it's a totally intriguing companion piece to compare reality to film and is worth viewing before or after the movie. I also watched a couple of Micky Ward's fights on Youtube which featured in the film and again it's always interesting to see how Hollywood choose to depict real events. Some of the actual commentary has been used in the film which add to the authenticity of what are good movie boxing scenes.
You get the schmaltz, the grit and some great performances with this... and a kid, punching his way to the top. What's not to love I ask ya?
4/5 

Other Films I'm Watchin' Round Up

Well it appears my digestion of films is occurring at a greater rate than my ability to blog about them. No surprise to me really so here's a quick bit of commentary on a bunch I've seen over the last month and not mentioned. This might become a more regular feature as I choose to write more about the movie's that hold some extra interest to me.


Winters Bone (2010) Set in a drug addled rural community in the US, Jennifer Lawrence has to find her old man after he skips bail which puts the bond at stake, the family home. Many of the actors don't seem like they're doing much acting and give chillingly authentic performances. You can't help but feel sorry for any sprog born into this environment. Things get ugly as Lawrence, like a dog with a bone, pursues her dad. 3.5/5  
Exit Through The Gift Shop (2010) Street art deity Banksy directed this doco about Thierry Guetta, a man who appears to suffer OCD and ADD. Guetta, obsessed with filming street artists, stumbles into Banksy's world. There's much speculation over whether this project is an elaborate ruse by Banksy. Guetta, a peculiar character goes on to become a monster of sorts, loved and loathed. It's pretty frickin entertaining either way and better for the questions surrounding it. That Banksy, what a bloody prankster. 4/5



Jindabyne (2006) Having recently been on a summer jaunt to Jindabyne, it seemed appropriate to give this another viewing. After a bunch of lads on a fishing trip discover an Aboriginal girl floating in a river they decide to tie her down, enjoy the rest of their weekend and report it on Monday. The outrage that ensues comes from the girls family, media, police and some of their own family. Laura Linney shits me to tears in this, Gabriel Byrne has every right to be an alcoholic. Great setting, good performances but it just pushes my patience too far. John Howard gets his fat gruff on as per usual. 3/5
The Disappearance of Alice Creed (2009) Minimal and taut kidnapping film with a shite load of twists. It's a great set up but a couple of the end scenarios are little far fetched which is a shame but overall it's a gripping romp. Eddie Marsan is excellent as usual, this guys always plays the prick so well. Martin Compston and Gemma Arterton round out the tiny cast which serves the sense of isolation. Poor Alice, she disappeared :'( 4/5

My favourite piss jar scene in a film

Tales from the Golden Age (2009) Six short stories from Romania set during the period when President Ceausescu was in power. A terrible time in the country's history, these tales are of party officials and commoners dealing with life under communist rule. They are described as 'comic, bizarre, surprising' and 'whimsical'. I found whimsical to be the only apt description of that lot. While I was amused at times by the tales, the first particularly, it's hard to believe someone thought there was enough material to work with here. You could tell most of these very light stories in one sentence. If you're somewhat fascinated by Eastern European culture like me then you'll still probably enjoy it as a distraction. Perhaps enjoy some plum brandy with it, that's goooood shit. 3/5
Four Lions (2010) A farcical look at a hapless group of potential suicide bombers in London.  I like the fact that this subject matter is being scrutinised by satirist Chris Morris. It has some quite clever moments and I wanted to laugh but unfortunately it's just not that funny. Nigel Lindsay is good as knuckle head Barry, an anglo convert who wants to blow up a mosque to radicalise the Muslims. The film will probably divide opinions but it missed the mark for me. Pffft. 3/5

Wings of Desire (1987)

Generally speaking, when I hear about angels I feel like heaving. I'm not interested in any flight of fantasy to do with them. Winged souls aren't looking out for us from the so called heavens. Please. Still, I rented this out aware that Wim Wenders had directed a film set in Berlin about angels watching us. It is often mentioned as a classic so I thought I'd check it out having seen a couple of Wim's projects and being keen to investigate more.
I've only seen Bruno Ganz in a few pictures, as Hitler in Downfall the most notable, but he's always pretty amazing. He plays Damiel, an angel who wanders Berlin with his buddy angel Cassiel watching the humans and listening to their thoughts, good and bad and perhaps offering hope to those in need. You hear trains of thought that creep through people's brains, questions about life 'why am I here and not there?' and other such meanderings. Damiel starts to yearn for the experiences that a human has, the taste of coffee, the passing of time etc. When he falls for a young trapeze artist, that's it, he becomes human and gives up angel life which understandably must become a chore after a while, especially all eternity.
Peter Falk appears as himself, shooting a film in Berlin and senses the presence of the angels.  That bloke just seems as though he'd be great to have around. Nick Cave's scene with the Bad Seed's belting out a number in a majestic east Berlin club is entirely suitable.

Shot in a sepia tone from the angels view and occasional sequences of color when away from their attention, Henri Alekan come out of retirement at 78 to shoot this and a top job the old fella did too. He was a stalwart of German film having been cinematographer on 71 films and working with Wenders twice. Upon his death Wenders wrote some touching words about the old rascal.
Wenders has been making films since the 70's, one of his first being 'The Goalkeeper's Fear of the Penalty' (1972), about a keeper letting in a goal, getting red carded, meeting a girl that night and then strangling her. He then wanders about Germany seemingly indifferent to his capture. Intriguing eh? I have seen a few Wenders films and have yet to get too excited about anything I've seen but perhaps starting at the beginning is a good idea.
As for Wings of Desire, it's a ponderous film that takes it time to tell a tale. Originally it was intended to be an observation of Berlin and that is still there. I imagine this would have looked amazing at the cinema and  I'll go see it there if I get the chance. I guess my damning prejudice of all things angels has diminished just a little as well.
3.5/5