Probably most popularly featured on the Crazy Heart soundtrack, Lydia Mendoza's Mal Hombre's song has long been used, and the fact she is the first Hispanic singer female on the list it makes for a significant listen. Mal Hombre though was also a success when it hit in 1934, and she would long be a success with her music.
History: Lydia Mendoza played the guitar and she sung, and she would find success in 1934. Mendoza would also use a twelve string guitar for her performances giving her music an unique flare. Mendoza though would find that she would garner recognition for her Mexican heritage and spreading it through her music that was mostly recorded in Texas. Lydia would also have a long life before passing away in 2007.
In a lot of ways this movie would cause outrage nowadays, but not because of the plot or the scares, but more so the tactics used to promote the film. Edgar Allan Poe's name was wrongly pinned to the film just because he wrote a story of the same name yet the content is not the same. There is something so different about old horror films and the older they get the more they seem to just bask in the fact that they are simply made to throw in the oddest of things in hope to weird you out. Forget the character development! Especially in this film that only runs at an hour long. There is some really good thing about this movie though and that can be attributed to the fact this film is the first to use a film score all the way through it, which plays a huge part in getting the emotions we need.
Summary: Peter and Joan are newlyweds, and they are embarking on their honeymoon on a train.They meet a man, Dr. Vitus, who is a psychiatrist, and actually traveling to the same town they are. When they get to the town though they end up in a car crash, and Joan is left injured. This leaves them stranded at the home of Hjalmer, a Satan worshiper. It seems Peter is rendered useless, and Dr. Vitus is the one who must rescue Joan from Hjalmer's plans. Dr. Vitus though also has the unresolved mystery of his wife and daughter laying in this town. After leaving for war 18 years earlier he returned home to find that they were both missing, and now this house may hold the answers to their disappearances.
Depending on your expectations, Jean Vigo's, L'Atalante will be one of the better film experiences you have, or one of the most underwhelming. There are is a lot going on in this film that captures much of what has been perceived in Hollywood's modern films about Paris in the 30s. It makes movies like Midnight In Paris that much more magical to realize directors like Jean Vigo was capturing the same atmosphere as he lived it. While it may have not been edgy in France at the time, Americans viewing this probably weren't accustomed to the nudity, blunt sexuality, and cursing that was put into the film.
Juliette is a young bride, who upon marrying Jean is uprooted from her village, and now is living on a ship with her husband, and his two crew members. The cabin boy, and the odd Pere Jules make for interesting companionship for the woman who wants to see Paris so bad she is willing to risk her marriage. Her want to experience every location, especially with the encouragement of Pere puts tension between her and Jean. Once arriving in Paris, Juliette escapes into the city where she puts her relationship to Jean to the ultimate test.
This film is one of those that sticks around long after viewing. Juliette captures the screen, and holds the attention of almost the entire film just by her nature. She is like the little explorer that lives in most people. Jean seems more used to his surroundings though, so he doesn't seem to fully understand why Juliette wants to visit Paris as she does, and when he fears that she will end up with another man he becomes overbearing.
There are scenes in L'Atalante that feel so ahead of it's time. One scene where the two lovers are in bed, and they are missing each other so badly that just because of their body language you can feel how bad they are missing the other. Within this scene is wrapped a lot of sexuality that would be normal between two newlyweds. Another scene shows Jean viewing Juliette underwater, and while eerie it is somehow beautiful. The other memorable scene you might forget in the long run, but has a lot of impact upon first viewing is the ghostly figure of Juliette in her wedding gown after marrying, and setting sail on the ship, walking on the ship deck in a dark setting. It has a very creepy, lonely vibe to it.
Vigo created much emotion, and perfect atmosphere in this film. While you can see what captures Juliette at first regarding Paris, he also captures the dangers of the city that surround her. There was a lot of chemistry between the two leads, and it grows as the movie goes. For film buffs, and people wanting to see film at some of it's best in the early days this is an interesting watch.
Summary
Broadway producers decide to put on a play, Pretty Lady, during the Great Depression in 1932. Dorothy Brock is set to star until an injury leaves her sidelined, and in need of a replacement. The director, Julian Marsh, needs to insure this play is a success or his own reputation, and finances, so he takes a gamble on Peggy Sawyer who is new to the Broadway scene.
My Thoughts
I didn't think this movie would be so adorable, but it is! The acting is very dramatic, and I think it provides a very historical, insightful look at the early days of Broadway. At the beginning of the movie we are already thrown into the middle of casting where women are auditioning for the dancing routines. Peggy Sawyer makes a memorable entrance from almost walking into the mens' room, to falling asleep when call backs are being given, you can tell this isn't the scene she is used to.
The costumes, and stage are very elaborate, and glitzy. The acting is just as dramatic, and probably at times even over done. All the characters were so intriguing though including Dorothy Brock, and a few of the dancers hired for Pretty Lady. Above all though, Peggy Sawyer has some of the most memorable outfits of the 30s throughout the movie. If nothing else you should watch this for the incredible vintage attire.
When you get to the last twenty minutes you finally see the play, and what all this hard work has been about. It's very difficult to even turn away for those last minutes, because the music, and dancing is so entrancing. The memorable routines to songs like "Shuffle Off to Buffalo" will have you thinking about the movie long after. There were a number of scenes being tried for the first time, such as the camera zooming in between the dancer's legs, and few other scenes that will be obvious if you watch. You will see why this movie was nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards when you watch.
Besides few moments that lull the movie will keep you wanting to watch. If nothing else because the music will keep you there, and the way the actors handle things so dramatically. The actors on Broadway are also perceived as some wild party people in their off hours with the suggestion of sex taking place, and the drinking. Nothing is very strongly alluded to though, but if you are the modern day viewer you might get a laugh out of how certain things are snuck in.
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