June 16th Log

THE BRIDGE
2006, Eric Steel, United States
1st Viewing, DVD

Interesting if not disturbing concept for a film The Bridge certainly has moments that stick with you. However, when it is over you wonder at what expense. The director does not exploit the subject but he doesn’t leave anything insightful either. The film left me with little desire to ever want to watch it again…



NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM
2006, Shawn Levy, United States
1st Viewing, Summer Under the Stars

For mindless family entertainment, Night at the Museum succeeds. Seeing this as a “summer night under the stars” was a fitting atmosphere to make the whole film more enjoyable. There are plenty of problems with the film, but it has some laughs and entertainment value for adults and especially for kids.



PSYCHO
1960, Alfred Hitchcock, United States
Repeat Viewing, Encore

Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 film, Psycho, is without question a landmark in American cinema history. Due to Hitchcock's status and popularity as a director at the time, he was able to break all the rules of the Hollywood standards; and he didn't hesitate to as Psycho is a violent film of murder, transvestitism, insanity, and paranoia. Really there are endless examinations that can be made for this film. Hitchcock rates among the very greatest masters of cinema, and Psycho is yet another display in his technique and filmmaking genius. Among many things, Hitchcock mastered a deception with the audience, and Psycho perfectly captures that. Perhaps not as shocking, the film's influences and classic "shower scene" does remain as powerful today. Psycho also changed the way Hollywood made films, and it's impact still shows in films of all genres. One of the great strengths of Psycho is that it is also a collaborated effort with artists at the height of their talents. Besides Hitchcock, Psycho features some extraordinary work from two legends: Saul Bass (who's title design work sets the visual and emotional mood), and of course Bernard Herrmann, who completely stringed instrument score rates among the very greatest in the history of film. Though I don't consider Psycho to be Hitchcock's best film, I certainly think it's his most important and influential.