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General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: Boroda on August 28, 2003, 01:25:09 PM

Title: The Quiet American
Post by: Boroda on August 28, 2003, 01:25:09 PM
I mean the new movie based on Graham Greene's novel.

Is it worth seeing? I was quite impressed by the novel (just as by most of Greene's books), and I want to hear opinions from people who already have seen the film...

"Synopsys" of the film here (http://www.miramax.com/quietamerican/index.html)  makes me think that it's another great book spoiled by Hollywood :(
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: SOB on August 28, 2003, 01:37:37 PM
It's got Brendan Frasier in it.  It will suck.


SOB
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: Dago on August 28, 2003, 01:40:59 PM
I am tending to agree with SOB on this one.

Watch the John Wayne movie "The Quiet Man" instead, a great old classic.

dago
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: Boroda on August 28, 2003, 01:59:30 PM
Unfortunately, there is a serious gap in my "education" - I don't know most of the "famous" modern actors... And I have never seen any movie with John Wayne.... :(

Last year I became absolutely disappointed with American movies. I only watched Episode 2 and "Two Towers", mostly with educational purposes. I try to watch European films, mostly French, but some new French movies, especially comedies are almost as bad as American :( No offences, please, it's just my personal opinion, but I don't like endless horror films or stupid farting humour of Jim Carrey comedies...

Watched "Fanfan la tulipe" - 2003 this week. Liked it very much. Good remake of 1956 film. Some "new" scenes are really funny.

Last "big" Russian movie I saw was "Zvezda" ("Star"), another "remake", if you can call it this way, probably the best action war movie ever made.
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: Dago on August 28, 2003, 02:07:03 PM
Quote
but I don't like endless horror films or stupid farting humour of Jim Carrey comedies...


A lot of us don't like these movies either.  Unfortunately Hollywood stopped trying to make great films a while ago, now they just try to make money.  Movies are now aimed at the 14 - 16 yr old audience I think.

The best movies are now in the rental market, I dont think more than 1 or 2 movies are made and released per year now that I actually look forward to seeing.


dago
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: mosgood on August 28, 2003, 02:26:05 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Boroda
And I have never seen any movie with John Wayne.... :(


poor bastard.....

John Wayne movies have raised many generations of kids that watch movies on the weekends.
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: AKWeav on August 28, 2003, 03:07:45 PM
Ya got to get a copy of "The Russians are coming, the Russians are coming":D
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: slimm50 on August 28, 2003, 03:20:17 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Dago
A lot of us don't like these movies either.  Unfortunately Hollywood stopped trying to make great films a while ago, now they just try to make money.  Movies are now aimed at the 14 - 16 yr old audience I think.  The best movies are now in the rental market, I dont think more than 1 or 2 movies are made and released per year now that I actually look forward to seeing.
dago


Unfortunately, I agree. I try to rent some of the old movies from the 50's and 60's to show our 16 yr old son, so he'll know what a real "thinking" movie is, like "Days of Wine and Roses", "On The Beach", "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf?", "Rear Window", just to name a few...
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: fd ski on August 28, 2003, 03:25:31 PM
i saw the "quiet american" and i thought it was good. I haven't read the book, mind you. It's not an action flick by any standard.
I thought it was well done.
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: Nash on August 28, 2003, 03:28:35 PM
Quote
Originally posted by SOB
It's got Brendan Frasier in it.  It will suck.


SOB


Bingo! Somebody get that man a prize. Michael Caine was good, but there was noo way to take Brendan "Curious George" Frasier seriously. The espionage bits were okay, but 99% of the movie was Brendan Frasier trying to steal Caine's girlfried... from right out under his nose. He's basically just asking for her. "I want her... can I have her? Please?" It was ridiculous.
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: Ripsnort on August 28, 2003, 03:30:23 PM
Red Dawn! :D
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: Skuzzy on August 28, 2003, 03:37:26 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Dago
I am tending to agree with SOB on this one.

Watch the John Wayne movie "The Quiet Man" instead, a great old classic.

dago


Gotta agree with that one.  In my opinion, one of the Duke's best movies.  Of course, Maureen O'Hara ain't too hard on the eyes.
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: BGBMAW on August 28, 2003, 03:42:23 PM
i always call people who dont know great american icons ..communists.....


Bora...

You must see all John Wayne films..

also..

Clint Eastwood

The Good, the Bad & the Ugly...

Outlaw of Josey Wales

Hangem' Hi

High Planes Drifter


these movise are defntly some of the best movies ever made......
true  character....no Bullsheite..

thats why i like CLint eastwod...
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: -tronski- on August 28, 2003, 09:55:01 PM
Hired it today, haven't had a chance to watch it...

 Tronsky
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: capt. apathy on August 28, 2003, 10:04:57 PM
the Quite Man, is my favorite johnwayne movie (non-western).

my wife saw it for the first time a couple years ago.  I loved the look on her face when the old woman offers "a nice stick to beat the lovely lady wth sir?"
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: Dago on August 28, 2003, 10:05:04 PM
Quote
Maureen O'Hara ain't too hard on the eyes.


Concur.  :)


dago
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: NUKE on August 28, 2003, 10:53:40 PM
Quote
Originally posted by BGBMAW
i always call people who dont know great american icons ..communists.....


Bora...

You must see all John Wayne films..

also..

Clint Eastwood

The Good, the Bad & the Ugly...

Outlaw of Josey Wales

Hangem' Hi

High Planes Drifter


these movise are defntly some of the best movies ever made......
true  character....no Bullsheite..

thats why i like CLint eastwod...



Dead on with Clint Eastwood.... as a kid I always considered him the coolest of all the western actors. My favorites are probably High Plains Drifter and Unforgiven.
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: Dnil on August 29, 2003, 02:22:23 AM
i like fart humor.  it makes me giggle.
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: CyranoAH on August 29, 2003, 03:25:53 AM
I liked it, not loved it. It was nicely done, perhaps a bit slow.

What I certainly didn't like is that the script is leading you where it wants you to go, but it becomes all too evident and since you know what's going to happen from the start and they hired Brendan "you'd never think I was the bad guy" Fraser, you spend most of the movie wishing to kick the apathy out of Michael Caine's character.

Daniel
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: mora on August 29, 2003, 03:46:12 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Ripsnort
Red Dawn! :D


LOL! I was just thinking that exact movie, but I couldn't remember it's name!:)

That movie was banned in Finland as anti-soviet..
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: Ack-Ack on August 29, 2003, 04:06:48 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Boroda


Last year I became absolutely disappointed with American movies.  



Watch Equalibrium.


ack-ack
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: Boroda on August 29, 2003, 07:00:40 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Ripsnort
Red Dawn! :D


It was a big hit here in late-80s on semi-illegal video tape exchange, but I didn't have a chance to see it.

Some people said that USSR should have bought this film, together with Rambo-2 and 3. Could be a great propaganda impact :D
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: Maniac on August 29, 2003, 07:06:20 AM
Quote
Red Dawn!


Ya!

It was soo good when you where an bit younger... I wish they could make an modern version on the same concept...

I have to pick it up and see it again tho! good reminder rip :)
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: Boroda on August 29, 2003, 07:11:40 AM
Quote
Originally posted by AKWeav
Ya got to get a copy of "The Russians are coming, the Russians are coming":D


Saw it two times :) First time in English, second time when it was shown on central television.

Very nice film, looks almost like Soviet movies showing Americans in strange situations :) Soviet films were always 100% "politically correct", and the idea always was that an ordinary American is a nice person like us. The only movie where there was an open fight between Soviet and American troops, "Solo voyage", 1985, was about an insane American missile base commander who wanted to start a third world war by himself. Soviet marines destroyed the base two hours before B-52s bombed it to dust. There even was an American who fought together with our soldiers.
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: Vermillion on August 29, 2003, 07:32:32 AM
If you want to see a hilarious film about the cold war era.....

"Dr Strangelove, or: Why I learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb" !!

Kubrick was totally warped, but a genius.

what a famous line..... "Gentlemen, you can't fight in here !! IT'S a WAR room !".

(http://www.indelibleinc.com/kubrick/films/strangelove/images/cockpit.jpg)

and the final wild bronco ride ;)

(http://wso.williams.edu/~mhacker/Strangelove/kongdrop.jpg)
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: Boroda on August 29, 2003, 08:56:16 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Vermillion
If you want to see a hilarious film about the cold war era.....

"Dr Strangelove, or: Why I learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb" !!

Kubrick was totally warped, but a genius.

what a famous line..... "Gentlemen, you can't fight in here !! IT'S a WAR room !".


One of my favourite films :) I have it on CD in English. It was shown on Russian TV for the first time only a few months ago. The translation was traditionally awful.

The drunk Secretary General is great. Not far from true if speaking about Nikita :(
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: DmdMac on August 29, 2003, 11:35:54 AM
Quote
Originally posted by Boroda
Unfortunately, there is a serious gap in my "education" - I don't know most of the "famous" modern actors... And I have never seen any movie with John Wayne.... :(

Last year I became absolutely disappointed with American movies. I only watched Episode 2 and "Two Towers", mostly with educational purposes. I try to watch European films, mostly French, but some new French movies, especially comedies are almost as bad as American :( No offences, please, it's just my personal opinion, but I don't like endless horror films or stupid farting humour of Jim Carrey comedies...


Have you seen any movies by Robin Williams? "Mrs. Doubtfire", "Moscow on the Hudson", or "The World According to Garp"?

There is also "Used Cars" and "GhostBusters".

There is two horror movies that surpass them all: "Alien" and it's sequel "Aliens." You may also want to look at "Army of Darkness."

"Army..." is different than the others because it mixes comedy and horror(something that is difficult to do correctly).

Now, for some older movies. Two come to mind immediately and one was a direct rip-off of the other.

"The Seven Samurai" and "The Magnificent Seven"

"True Grit" is a classic John Wayne movie.  Highly recommended. But also get "Rooster Cogburn."

Do you like science fiction?

"The Day the Earth Stood Still." the movie above "Army of Darkness" makes a reference to this movie.
"The Forbidden Planet"
"War of the Worlds"
"The Time Machine," the orginal movie.
I'm sure you've seen "Planet of the Apes" but if you haven't, do so. The original POTA, not the remake starring Micheal Jackson as Vera.

There was two movies made a while back that were based on Lovecraft stories. Based as in they were Hollywoodized and ultimately lost most of the flair of the stories. But they were still ok.
"Reanimator" and "From Beyond"
EDITORS NOTE: if you want to read the original text of Lovecraft goto here (http://www.hplovecraft.com)

I also know little about modern movie stars.  I prefer the days when it was all still good.
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: Boroda on August 29, 2003, 12:05:43 PM
Thanks for the hints :)

I have seen many movies you mentioned, we are not behind "iron curtain" any more :)

And many thanks for the link to Lovecraft! I have read several books in Russian translation, and really want to know how it sounds in English. The translations were good, at least the translator knows Russian ;) unlike most of the students making money on such stuff.

I think I have to make a list of "must see" Soviet/Russian films. My Mother said that in Australia they have a TV channel with non-Hollywood films from different countries, usually with subtitles, and they show some Soviet/Russian movies. I have many good film in DivX, and can put them on FTP. I wish I had enough time and patience to make subtitles for them...

BTW, the new trend is to release old Soviet films on DVD with foreign soundtracks and subtitles. "Torpedo-bombers" was released with 5 soundtracks including Hebrew (!!!) and more then a dozen subtitle versions.
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: Curval on August 29, 2003, 12:40:07 PM
Wait..this is a Boroda thread...and it hasn't been locked yet?

In before lock.:D
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: Boroda on August 29, 2003, 12:53:43 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Curval
Wait..this is a Boroda thread...and it hasn't been locked yet?

In before lock.:D


I am surprised myself...

:eek:
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: SKurj on August 29, 2003, 04:08:52 PM
Eastwood mentioned without...

Fist full of Dollars
For a Few dollars More

Dirty Harry
Magnum Force

The Gauntlet <- fav of his cop movies

Granted GBU was porbably his best western


SKurj
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: NUKE on August 29, 2003, 05:03:52 PM
Quote
Originally posted by SKurj
Eastwood mentioned without...

Fist full of Dollars
For a Few dollars More

Dirty Harry
Magnum Force

The Gauntlet <- fav of his cop movies

Granted GBU was porbably his best western


SKurj


Skurj, what did you think of "Unforgiven" ? I originally saw it in the theater and thought it was  good. I then saw it about 4 years later and was astounded by how good the movie is on many levels. I think it's Clint's best western myself...

Clint Eastwood's best overall film was "Bronco Billy" followed by "Any which way but loose" :)
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: Skuzzy on August 29, 2003, 05:09:48 PM
Picking one Clint Eastwood film is tough.  For me, a tie between "Outlaw Josey Wales", and "Hang em High".
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: Dago on August 29, 2003, 05:31:05 PM
I dont think you guys mentioned his movie Heartbreak Ridge?  Clint did the John Wayne thing and invaded Grenada?

Personally, I dont think it was a very good movie. Lacked the charm of the 44mag with a cool speech. (do ya feel lucky punk?)   :)


His westerns were entertaining, but dont forget his musical talents displayed in "Paint your Wagon" with Lee Marvin.  :D

dago
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: Skuzzy on August 29, 2003, 05:36:32 PM
Forgot about Paint your Wagon.  That was hilarious.
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: midnight Target on August 29, 2003, 05:58:07 PM
Clint's best are -

Outlaw Josie Wales
Unforgiven

John Wayne -

Quiet Man
True Grit
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: Roscoroo on August 29, 2003, 06:51:25 PM
Just some of my favorites ....
any and all John Wayne/Lee Marvin movies.
The Jerry Lewis/Dean Martin  movies.
All the early James Bond movies, Sean Connery stuff.
Good morning vietnam.  Robin williams .
Air america , any Mel gibson movies.(the road warrior a must see)
casablanca , african queen, Bogart stuff ... always great
Lawrence of Arabia,
It's a Wonderful Life,the Glen Miller story, any Jimmy Stewart stuff.
 all those silly bob hope movies. (road to ....)
Its a mad,mad,mad,mad,mad world.
 history of the world ,
Monty Python and the Holy Grail,  Mel Brooks
Young Frankenstein,  
2001, A Space Odyssey.
Exodus
The pink panther, the first one , Peter Sellers at his best.
   And dont forget about the musicals ....
Oklahoma,Oliver,fiddler on the roof,Amadeus,Wizard of oz,Willy wonka and the chocolate factory,chitty chitty bang bang,rocky horror picture show(cult classic),

Theres 1000's of great old movies that we in the U.s were fortunate to grow up with , and we take for granted that everyone has seen them...
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: capt. apathy on August 29, 2003, 06:54:09 PM
for clint you gotta go with 'high plains drifter' for the young clint and 'unforgiven' for the old clint.


I've been looking for an old western that I haven't seen since I was a kid.  it had henry fonda in it. and a guy (can't remember his name) blond hair, blue eyes,  you almost never seen him shoot anybody, he usually was just exreamly fast and sort of 'juggled' the guns making the other guy look like a fool.

the basic story was fonda as an old gunfighter who wanted to retire and was looking to fake his death.  

I mainly remember the movie because of a story fonda told in it about a bird, a cow, and a coyote.  he spent most of the movie trying to figure out the morals (there where 3) to this story and he figures it out in the end.

anyway, does anybody know the name of this movie?
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: midnight Target on August 29, 2003, 07:01:31 PM
My Name is Nobody
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: capt. apathy on August 29, 2003, 07:04:33 PM
Thats it, thanks.

now to find a video store with it in stock.

BTW- I loved the story in that movie.  it's one I think every kid should hear before he goes out on his own.
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: Saurdaukar on August 29, 2003, 07:46:53 PM
'Spaghetti Westerns' are probably a good segment of films to start with for a sence of the American flavor.  The message was always the same and the 'good guy' was always the stong silent type whos actions mirrored how Americans thought of their country during this period in history.

Science fiction is also interesting.  The Star Wars films (basically WWII in space), the original Star Trek films, etc.  Bordering on the horror segment, you can dip into 'Alien' and 'Aliens.'

If youre more of the thinking man, try '2001' and '2010.'  (PS:  Arther C. Clarkes '3001' is also a great book if you can find it in Russia)

War films will all have an American bias, but whats interesting to note is that in all USA vs. X war flicks, the Germans get very little respect as opponents, with the exception of few films, and the Soviet's and Japanese are always seen as a threat to be taken seriously.

'Top Gun' is a a great example of an 80's American film - big, fast, 'cool.'  Not necessarily realistic, but for a peak into the American psyche during this time period, its great.

If youre looking for a dose of Cold War comedy, try 'Spies Like Us' with Dan Akroyd and Chevy Chase.
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: SOB on August 29, 2003, 10:47:50 PM
Quote
Originally posted by Skuzzy
Picking one Clint Eastwood film is tough.  For me, a tie between "Outlaw Josey Wales", and "Hang em High".


I gotta go with Josey Wales...I just can't get over seeing the Skipper in a western.  I try and try, but he'll always be the Skipper, even if he's a blacksmith!  :D


SOB
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: -tronski- on August 30, 2003, 01:47:12 AM
Quote
Originally posted by SOB
I gotta go with Josey Wales...I just can't get over seeing the Skipper in a western.  I try and try, but he'll always be the Skipper, even if he's a blacksmith!  :D


SOB


Yep Josey Wales...

 Although I've always loved Pale Rider

 Tronsky
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: scout on August 30, 2003, 02:12:58 AM
Good horror films ?
Don't forget "The Thing" (Carpenter)

Also liked "Prince of Darkness" (also John Carpenter).

And "The Exorcist" is a classic.
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: NUKE on August 30, 2003, 06:41:15 AM
For some reason horror films never did anything for me. My favorite types of movies are ones that make me think...some in abstract ways like Jacob's Ladder, or say, Contact just off the top of my head.
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: DmdMac on August 30, 2003, 12:13:02 PM
Quote
Originally posted by NUKE
For some reason horror films never did anything for me. My favorite types of movies are ones that make me think...some in abstract ways like Jacob's Ladder, or say, Contact just off the top of my head.


The first also qualifies as horror.  And #2 I think my be a cross between drama and sci-fi.

Regardless, two very good movies. Forgot about Jacob's Ladder. Freakish.
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: SKurj on August 30, 2003, 01:58:12 PM
Kelly's heroes!!

I didn't much like the older clint doin westerns...

SKurj
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: SKurj on August 30, 2003, 05:07:21 PM
Just noticed the Kelly's Heroes is on Canuck History channel on Sunday.

and

Heartbreak ridge is on Bravo later in the day


SKurj
Title: The Quiet American
Post by: Saurdaukar on August 30, 2003, 11:38:02 PM
When I finally got arond to getting a DVD player, Kelly's Heros was my first disc purchase.  ;)