If you're like me, when there's so many movies to take in all at once, you want to do just that, take them in all at once, and it quickly becomes harder and harder to ... breathe? Well, that too, but, harder to choose exactly what films you will watch and what films you'll have to miss for the sake of the next film. And also, if you're a Gemini, like I, you know that while adaptable, we are indecisive, which is why we'd always tell our friends, if you give me a certain time for something, I'll be ready, but if you're a "no show" at that precise on-the-dot time, don't get made at me when I tell you I'm not ready anymore because I've just went through five wardrobe changes in ten minutes because you were five minutes late. Yes. I said what I said.
The same rules apply to scheduling for a film festival, your choices in the initial stages never stay the same, the day before the day before, you think you have it all figured out, then the day before, you're changing it up one last time, and then the day of the day you were going to watch these, them, and those ... You're back to the initial schedule list you planned all along. With a film here and there that you through in spontaneously, because ... well, that's what Gemini's do. Film lovers accepted ... So, when you're both ... take a line from Ludacris, and just ... get out the way. We've got films to watch.
That being said, I'm going to make my recommendation guide on the TCMFF 2021 schedule, both on TCM and HBOMAX, easy ... Watch what you love. Every watch else, will fall into place. Positions please:
The same rules apply to scheduling for a film festival, your choices in the initial stages never stay the same, the day before the day before, you think you have it all figured out, then the day before, you're changing it up one last time, and then the day of the day you were going to watch these, them, and those ... You're back to the initial schedule list you planned all along. With a film here and there that you through in spontaneously, because ... well, that's what Gemini's do. Film lovers accepted ... So, when you're both ... take a line from Ludacris, and just ... get out the way. We've got films to watch.
That being said, I'm going to make my recommendation guide on the TCMFF 2021 schedule, both on TCM and HBOMAX, easy ... Watch what you love. Every watch else, will fall into place. Positions please:
ON TCM
The checklist is endless on TCM, but don't feel intimidated. Remember to watch what you love, but also remember to leave your comfort zone a bit, branch out, and see the cinema.
For me, watching what I love looks much like my music playlist ... You never know what you're going to get. To view my list, you may not know what kinda girl you're dealing with, because my taste is broad ... yet, particular. I know. It's ... complicated. But, it's me. So, while not wanting to leave out the entire line-up on TCM's Opening Night, Thursday, May 6th, or gems that, for me, helped shape my love for classic movies, even more, from childhood, into my teens, into adulthood, like THE FORTUNE COOKIE (1966), Tex Avery cartoons, THEY WON'T BELIEVE ME (1947) (went through this whole Robert Young crush thing in my teens, that I never quite shook), I KNOW WHERE I'M GOING (1945) (NOT to miss if unseen), ON THE WATERFRONT (1954), PLACES IN THE HEART (1984), BREATHLESS (1960) ... you get the picture, there are three films I don't want you to miss, particularly if they are new to you: I LOVE TROUBLE (1947): Starring Franchot Tone, Adele Jergens, Janet Blair, Janis Carter, (included this film a while back in my write-up on FILM THERAPY: COPING THROUGH CINEMA). Finding this film at a point I didn't think there were too many unknown Tone films to me, and at a time I needed films for more than enjoyment, but, for comfort, connection, hope, this film helped push past the fog and into the storyline. Highly recommend. WHISTLE AT EATON (1951): For starters. Robert Siodmak. Period. Also, starring Lloyd Bridges, Ernest Borgnine, and Dorothy Gish. A film that doesn't show up in a line-up often, and to my knowledge, not available on DVD, despite efforts, even in form of being included in Variety's 2007 piece, when asking film critics what films should be on DVD, in the article Columbia films missing from the vaults. Opportunities as this are not to be missed. PRINCESS TAM TAM (1935): Starring Josephine Baker and Albert Prejean. Seeing Josephine Baker in the film line-up alone is too rare to miss. It's Josephine Baker. Which is enough for any recommendation. When La Baker shows up, you need to be there. This was personally the first film of Ms. Baker's I ever remember seeing. Before ZOU-ZOU (1934), before SIREN OF THE TROPICS (1927), THE FRENCH WAY (1945), AN JEDEM FINGER ZEHN (1954), and so on. It was PRINCESS TAM TAM. For my video chat on Miss Josephine Baker, watch my CINEMA COFFEE: JOSPEHINE BAKER. |
ON HBOMAX
As with the films on the TCM schedule, there are films not to be missed streaming on HBO MAX. The whole library of titles doesn't go wrong. Films you never tire of, from THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES (1946) to HIS GIRL FRIDAY (1940), reliable films that always bring you joy, BALL OF FIRE (1941), BRINGING UP BABY (1938), THE THIN MAN (1934), TOP HOT (1935), films that aren't mentioned enough, from ANTWONE FISHER (2002) to HARLAN COUNTY USA (1976).
And then ... there's the REMEMBERING POWELL AND PRESSBURGER triple feature. A trio of films that are amongst their best, and some of my favorites of their filmography, THE RED SHOES (1948), THE LIFE AND DEATH OF COLONEL BLIMP (1943) and ... Grab your lipstick, BLACK NARCISSUS (1947) is calling you. For my quick chat on one of my favorite Powell and Pressburger films, and its comparison to the novel and the 2020 tv adaptation, watch CINEMA COFFEE: BLACK NARCISSUS. However, the films I'm even more excited to see being featured (VICTIM (1961), THE GETAWAY (1972), CLEO FROM 5 TO 7 (1962), a tribute to Danny Glover's films, MISERY (1990)), and want to draw your attention to no to miss (admittedly, though I have the Powell and Pressburger titles on Criterion DVD, seeing a P&P film always feels fresh out the wrap to me, no matter how many times I've seen it, even when it's being aired.)s: THE BLACK LEGION (1937): Starring Humphrey Bogart, and a film I first saw when Bogart was the TCM Star Of The Month back in 2009, that has never left my memory since that day, and I always remember that moment no matter how many times I've seen it since. CHAIN LIGHTNING (1950): Another Humphrey Bogart film (there's no such thing as too much Bogart), but, as with SIROCCO (1951), THE ENFORCER (1951), DEADLINE U.S.A. (1952), even BATTLE CIRCUS (1953), or SAHARA (1943), it's not a Bogart film often brought to the table of conversation. And if ever there was a time to broaden your view beyond talkies to any newbies to Silent Films, I'd recommend this time to visit these two Silent features being offered in the library, Harold Lloyd's last silent film SPEEDY (1926), that I remember standing out to me most because it featured Babe Ruth in the film, and Ernst Lubitsch's SO THIS IS PARIS (1926) as it will feature a new score by Ben Model! |
And that's it! Hope this is a helpful, watch what you love, branch into the unknown guide for anyone looking for some extra cinematic recommendations. And if you're attending any of the TCMFF 2021 Zoom Events and want to add some sparkle to your shine, I created six Classic Film inspired Zoom Backgrounds free for you to use!
Be sure to snap a screenshot or tag me if you use them, would love to see them in action!
"See" you at the Festival!
"See" you at the Festival!