1946 silly movieRating: 14/20 (Jen: 18/20)
Plot: The happiest-go-luckiest man on earth, George "People Shouldn't Have Had Me Run on Film Because I Can't Do It Naturally" Bailey was born, saved his brother's life, saved a pharmacist's job, saved his podunk town, got married, and had sexual intercourse at least four times. It's a wonderful life! None of that matters, however, because his staircase railing is broken and he isn't man enough to be able to fix it. Within minutes, he becomes drunken and suicidal. As he's about to end his life by jumping off a bridge into the icy waters below, his guardian angel Clarence jumps into the icy waters. So George jumps into the icy waters below to save his life. Clarence, working on earning his wings, needs to convince George that life is worth living and shows him what the lives of others would look like if George had never existed.
The following is a partial transcript from a meeting following a showing of It's a Wonderful Life, then called Untitled Frank Capra Communist Propaganda Film:
Film Producer #7: But why does he keep shouting at everybody?
Frank Capra: Because he's excited! He's got his life back.
FP7: No, I'm talking about the rest of the movie. He spends the entire movie shouting.
FC: He does?
Film Producer #3: He really does, Frank.
FC: Well, that's acting. That's how Jimmy Stewart acts.
FP7: Well, I don't like it at all. Something must be done.
FP3: Yeah, I'm not sure I like all the shouting either. Nobody's going to want to spend 17 hours watching the longest movie ever made with a protagonist who shouts at everybody for no reason.
FP7: What if we give him a reason?
FC: What do you mean, Film Producer Number Seven?
FP3: Yes! We could have George born with a condition of some kind where he shouts unnecessarily.
FP7: How about this? How about we write in a scene where he has some sort of childhood injury which causes him to lose his hearing in one of his ears?
FP3: Yeah! The right one!
FP7: No, the left one.
Film Producer #4: And then his "acting" (finger quotes--actually the first time finger quotes were ever used) would make a little more sense. The character won't know that he's shouting.
FP3: I think this might work. Back to the studio, Frank Capra!
Film Producer #2: Anybody else think the movie is too long?
FP7: (Scratches self)
FP2: I mean, do we really need to show George using the potty for the first time or trying meatloaf? We have the longest exposition in film history here. It takes so long to get to the real meat of the movie and audiences have fallen asleep during test screenings.
Film Producer #5: The real meatloaf of the movie!
FP7: Are you drunk again, Film Producer #5?
Quite possibly the most overrated movie ever made. Definitely seems like the longest although, admittedly, I'm not used to watching movies with commercial interruptions and that probably made it seem longer. It's a very average movie, a little too manipulative and old-timey to fully appreciate. I gave it an 11/20 the first time I watched it, so maybe by the forty-seventh time I see this, I'll develop a soul and think it's a classic like everybody else.
Sorry, Cory...I beat you to the punch with the "Shane has no soul" criticism...
ReplyDeleteWow. You forgot to add "no taste".
ReplyDelete'It's a Wonderful Life' and Jimmy Stewart trashed in a single review. I suppose Lincoln was a sucky President, too. Shakespeare is too wordy? The Beatles didn't last long enough to be great?
I can't remember the last time I watched a movie on broadcast TV, so I don't know how much slack to cut you (it is just over two hours long without commercials), but suffice it to say you are now on my Christmas naughty list. If you said angels pissed you off, or 38 year-old Stewart playing a high-schooler stretched credibilty, then I would understand. Maybe it does have a bit of 40's sentimentality and corn. Other than that, mocking one of the most heartfelt performances in movie history and calling the film average is just sad. It is considered a holiday classic with good reason.
This film questions what constitutes a well lived life. It show a good man struggling against the cards life has dealt him as he feels he is losing the life he wants, but we care for him even more because he does the right thing, always. The second half of the film gets darker and darker with scenes of amazing power. The scene where he stays to save the bank. The scene where he learns Harry won't take his place and his struggle to put a happy face on this. The scene where Potter almost tricks him into betraying his values. The scene where Jimmy Stewart is ready to kill himself. The scenes where the town is tranformed and friends turn hostile. The scenes where Mary and his mom don't recognize George. The scene in the cemetary when George realizes Harry died and it's impact on hundreds. The scenes of despair and rage with his family and then the pure joy and relief when he gets them back. Finally, the scene where the town George has saved many times saves him. This is one of the all-time greats which has one of the sweetest endings imaginable. Maybe you're just grumpy from residual cold effects (I'm getting over a horrible one myself). A 20.
A "14" is nothing to scoff at...Capra and company can be proud of that.
ReplyDeleteJust for the record, I didn't really mean to trash either 'It's a Wonderful Life' or especially Jimmy Stewart. I always defend Stewart when my brother refers to him as 'the worst actor who ever lived'...But really, what's so special about him in this movie? You insert nearly any of his contemporaries into the role and you lose nothing. And you'd probably wind up with an actor who can look normal while he runs!
The Beatles were around JUST long enough...if they would have gone on and on and on (like 'It's a Wonderful Life') then they eventually would have lost steam. And are you trying to tell me that Shakespeare is NOT too wordy? Lincoln? Well, what would have have done if you gave him 8 terms with commercial interruptions?
Corn? I'm surprised that word didn't pop up while I was typing about this movie. Muchas corn!
You didn't need to tell me what the movie is about...and the last half of the movie (the darker half?) definitely is better. I just think it takes far too long to get to anything that I have the slightest interest in. The first half of 'It's a Wonderful Life' DRRRAAAAGGGGGSSSS, especially if you don't know what it all builds up to. The scene where they're throwing rocks at the house and losing bathrobes seems endless. I think there were eight commercial breaks during that scene alone. To me, there's not enough of a payoff. I also think Stewart's transition into a drunken suicide is too quick. Sure he's facing a crisis, but is there anything in his character development that suggests he'll just crash and burn when faced with a challenge?
And do I appreciate the message behind the movie? Sure. Would have worked better if it had seaped into the heart. This is more a manipulative hammering into the skull that makes it all seem trite.
I don't think I would ever criticize somebody for saying this is a great film. It's one of those cases where I know I'm in the minority. But I'm still going to think it's overrated.
Is this a top five for you?
I scoff scoffably at your scoffable 14. What runs through my mind are the 50 or so movies (like that Mask whatever movie) that have gotten a better grade than 'It's a Wonderful Life'. I just fear that people who don't know how smart you are will think less of you... or at least of your taste in movies from 1946.
ReplyDeleteAn argument could easily be made that up to the point where he is told he must stay or the bank will close it might be 14ish. Like 'Mr. Smith Goes To Washington', the emotional payoff covers all first hour sins. Back in the 40's they believed in something called character development. We know and like George Bailey so well it makes every disappointment very real. A chip here and a crack there add to his frustration. When his brother screws up and George will lose his bank, his reputation, his family and his freedom, it is an understandable final straw. From what he wants and can see, doing the right thing has gained him little. Potter is going to win. We don't think it is fair just like life isn't fair. I don't see this film as manipulative at all. This is a life-wrecking crisis and the foundation for his suicidal despair is there and not quick at all. George's blind spot is established at the beginning, and it takes a miracle for him to see why his life means something.
This movie is number 5 on my all-time list.
Jimmy Stewart. I'm happy you defend Saint Stewart but I'm confused why you don't see why he is great and indispensable in this. I won't list the 20 scenes for you, but he shows full range from humor to lust to rage to fear to despair. When he says to God that he is at the end of his rope, I believe him. He is my all-time favorite actor, by the way, and this is one of his best performances.
Finally, if you were 6'6" with legs like a stork, let's see how you would run. I think Jimmy does just fine.
I'd like to see a remake of 'It's a Wonderful Life' with Tom Green of 'Freddy Got Fingered' fame...I think that could be great!
ReplyDeleteI bet if I watched this without commercial interruptions (I never have), I would give this a 15/20.
Just for the record, I asked some of my colleagues during lunch to rate this on my 20-point scale. Here's what I heard:
"Probably a 15"
"I think I'd go with a 16 or 17...I've always liked that one."
"12"
"Yeah, probably a 12. It doesn't really do anything for me."
And yes, as the discussion continued, I heard a confident "What's his face--Charlie Stewart?--sort of overacts, doesn't he?"
Charlie Stewart!
I meant uncle not brother above and I've never seen a Tom Green movie. Should I?
ReplyDeleteSo, you conducted a poll, huh? I'm not sure if it speaks to the movie, or to the intelligence of the Indiana school system... present readers excluded. I know I said I wouldn't do this, but since you gathered your own panel of experts(?), I will mention that last year your best friends at AFI voted this the 20th greatest American movie. I'm just sayin'.
At least you have the comfort of having the Charlie Stewart guy on your side.
By the way, you are coming down to the wire and I'm wondering if 'Kung Fu Panda' and 'The Dark Knight' will be getting the Shane treatment. I'm really interested in knowing what you'll think of them. Who knows, maybe we'll agree.
I'll see the panda movie and the joker movie eventually. I did just hit a couple 2008 releases in the last couple days, but I haven't stumbled across either of those at my library.
ReplyDeleteI saw 'Freddy Got Fingered' in the theater for some reason. I wouldn't recommend it to anybody. I would recommend finding Ebert's review of it though.
20th greatest, eh? I looked over that list and didn't see any David Lynch movies, so what do those people know? The top ten--I haven't seen 'Citizen Kane' in years and have no interest in ever seeing that dull overrated movie again. 'Gone with the Wind' sucks. 'Schindler's List' is overrated although it doesn't suck. Speaking of Spielberg, 'E.T.' (#25) is one of my least favorite movies of all time, and (hold your breath for this one...) I don't really care for 'Jaws' either. And 'Rocky' should be nowhere near this list.
Discuss...
Jeez, how long do you want this blog to get? Let's see...
ReplyDeleteI'm shocked that they could overlook a genius like Lynch. Which is your favorite? 'Blue Velvet'? They obviously have no taste.
Citizen Kane: A movie buff's movie. Revolutionary. Slightly overacted. Ambitious. Hate the singer. Love the mystery and style. An 18 but I wouldn't blame anyone for not loving it. I would hope any reviewer should be able to get why it's considered great.
Gone With the Wind: Same as above only more so. Hammy and over the top but with two stars you can't take you eyes off of and several of movies greatest scenes (especially Atlanta burning and the railway station scene). Taken for it's time, it's awesome. A 17.
Schindler's List: I can't imagine anyone saying that this is overrated. It is number 6 on my all-time list and I would like to banish you to a concentration camp for saying such a thing (one of the really bad ones). It would take me forever to tell you why I think you are really wrong on this (it will make good Christmas conversation), but I will say this is a devastating and perfect movie that transcends the medium as great art. A maximum 20 and shame on you, silly man.
E.T.: When the alien is found in the ditch looking like a bleached fish, my six year-old ran screaming from the room. There are a few great moments in this, but man does Spielberg pile it on. Decent, but WAY overrated. A 14.
Jaws: My favorite movie of all-time,and my second favorite theatre experience. I saw it when I was 11 and I still remember seeing popcorn fly, the screams, and being nervous in SWIMMING POOLS for the next year or so. It changed movies and ushered in the era of the summer blockbuster. We need to talk. A 20.
Rocky: We are into soul and heart territory again. The fight scenes got better in later movies, but 'Rocky' is beautifully and tenderly written and acted. Real relationships, a beautiful score, and he doesn't win the fight. He just proves that he is not a nobody. He has heart and soul. A 19.
No, 'Blue Velvet' isn't my favorite Lynch movie...
ReplyDeleteLet me make this clear: I don't think 'Citizen Kane' or 'Schindler's List' are bad movie. I'd actually probably think they're better now. I saw 'Schindler's List' in the theater and haven't seen it since. I liked it fine, maybe wept openly, but remember it as far from perfect. I'll try to see that one again soon sometime next year. 'Citizen Kane' is probably great; I just have no desire to see it again and it seems too easy to throw that 'greatest movie of all time' tag on it. Greatest movie of all time? Pretty much anything you put in that slot is automatically overrated, right? There are at least two Orson Welles movies that I think are better (at least as good)than 'Citizen Kane'--'The Trial' and 'Touch of Evil'
'Gone with the Wind' put me to sleep. I thought it was everything that a movie shouldn't be. I'll never watch that one again.
There's a kid here at school who has this really splotchy, sickly-looking skin. I don't know what's wrong with him. But there's another teacher in the building who refers to the kid as "Dead E.T." which makes me laugh. I actually think of E.T. and laugh every time I see him, and the kid's probably thinking, "Why is this guy laughing at me all the time?" That's the only think 'E.T.' is good for.
Oh, 'Jaws' is your favorite movie? I thought you liked the 3-D Jaws movie. It was hard for me to watch 'Jaws' looking for any kind of historical significance. Cinematically, that is. I guess I need to go back in my time machine to watch 'Jaws' and 'Die Hard' in context in order to fully appreciate them.
Maybe...just maybe, I have problems with Spielberg. 'A.I.' is one of my least favorite movies of all time, too.
And 'Rocky'...ugh. I didn't watch a 'Rocky' movie until some time last year, and I wasn't impressed. Felt like I was watching a made-for-television drama. Maybe I'll check out the 3-D 'Rocky' sequel some time.
And again, just to be perfectly clear...'Schindler's List' and 'Citizen Kane' are probably both great movies. 'Jaws' is firmly in 'ehhhh' regions, but the others (ET, Gone with the Wind, Rocky) aren't even good movies.
What's with you and 3-D? No time to go further into this at the moment (I have more time at work when I'm not actually working). Suffice it to say tha you bother me and the phrase "pearls before swine" is now stuck in my head.
ReplyDeleteI cant even comment on this, I am so disgusted.
ReplyDeleteSadness...bitter sadness now touches my soul.
This is what movie making is all about, by the way. This is an incredibly deep, amazingly well constructed movie.
I must move on now. At least you dont have to worry about some evil being bartering for your soul. There is none there...NONE.
Okay maybe you have a soul, but this movie is better than almost everything else you have seen. You just have not caught on to that yet.
If only I could get the chance to see it every Christmas or something...maybe its genius would start to become clear.
ReplyDeleteI knew my thoughts on this one wouldn't be popular ones. I'll inevitably see this again (against my wishes probably) but I don't see anything changing my mind about this pretty average movie that people seem to think is great because of some emotional attachment.
"Incredibly deep" doesn't seem right. Too manipulative for that.
"Well constructed"? As I said, it's just too long and despite all the character development in the first half, the stuff in the second half seems to happen too quickly. Some scenes are way too long. Some scenes are way too short.
I really seemed to have stomped on a sacred cow here...
I was hoping Barry would find this review. Fun stuff.
ReplyDeleteOn the front page under that weird photo used to be a "Comments" tab for general comments. I can't find it anymore and it was very useful to tell you things like I saw two more Lloyd films that were excellent, "Why Worry?" and "Girl Shy". I think that "Girl Shy" is among his best and "Why Worry?" has many hilarious bits.