#oscars 41

[theoscarsproject]

Bullitt (1968). An all guts, no glory San Francisco cop becomes determined to find the underworld kingpin that killed the witness in his protection.

This is a solid little thriller, well-paced and compelling, and really putting Steve McQueen front and centre which, in this sort of movie, is never a bad thing. He’s a commanding performer, particularly as a dead-set cop trying to set things right. It’s a little dated now though, and lags in a few scenes, but on the whole, it’s a good movie. 7/10.

[theoscarsproject]

War and Peace (1966). A Russian Prince experiences battle against Napoleon and a troubled relationship with his father and wife. Finds acceptance of her death and eventually his chance of true love. A spoiled, high-society fickle young woman loves and her years of unhappiness. A Count illegitimate, idler son reflects on politics and friendship. Experiences his first and hopeless love, is forced into a marriage with serious consequences and finally survives Napoleon invasion of Moscow and its aftermath.

At over 7 hours, this film is best viewed as more of a mini-series than a movie. It’s long, and it really does feel it when you settle in to watch it in one viewing. That said, it really is very good - it’s beautifully shot, with strong performances and well-staged scenes. It’s well and truly worth the watch, and probably one of the better adaptations of Tolstoy’s story, but it’d be a good idea to space out your viewing. 7.5/10.

[theoscarsproject]

Legendary Champions (1968). Documentary focusing on heavyweight boxing champions from 1882 to 1929.

Sport documentaries aren’t really my thing, but this is a fairly engaging glimpse at history, taking a frank look at race, class and, of course, boxing. It’s well edited and put together, with some cool use of artwork and a compelling look at the sport. It’s pretty fun! 7/10.

[theoscarsproject]

The Heart is a Lonely Hunter (1968). When deaf mute Singer moves to a small city to be near his only friend confined in a hospital, he grows attached to his landlady's sensitive 16-year-old daughter.

This really is such a moving, intimate story, and a compelling look at loneliness. Alan Arkin and Sondra Locke are both really wonderful, and very deserving of their Oscar nominations for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actress respectively. It’s special, it’s heartbreaking, it’s moving. 7.5/10. 

[theoscarsproject]

Journey into Self (1969). The film portrays a 16-hour group-therapy session for eight well-adjusted people who had never met before.

This is a pretty interesting documentary on identity in the late 1960s in America. It’s insightful, and quite well shot, and a real snapshot of a time, a group of people and a society, both widely and specifically. It’s a compelling, intimate movie and one worth the watch. 7/10.

[theoscarsproject]

Star (1968). A musical biography of Gertrude Lawrence, who led a hustling and bustling life on the stage.

On paper, this film has it all - Julie Andrews! Music! Great costumes and art direction! Tremendous supporting performances! Unfortunately, it just never quite finds its footing, and the plot constantly errs on the side of cliche. Still, there’s enough to enjoy in it to make it not a bad way to spend a couple of hours. 6.5/10.

[theoscarsproject]

The Young Girls of Rochefort (1968). Two sisters leave their small seaside town of Rochefort in search of romance. Hired as carnival singers, one falls for an American musician, while the other must search for her ideal partner.

This is such a delightful, jubilant movie, with an intensely French, and an intensely visual sensibility to it. It’s fun, and everyone involved seems to enjoy bringing this story, and Jacques Demy’s vision to life. Plus, it’s so utterly charming it’s pretty easy to forgive it of some of its more dated flaws. 7.5/10.

[theoscarsproject]

Ice Station Zebra (1968). USN nuclear sub USS Tigerfish must rush to the North Pole to rescue the staff of Drift Ice Station Zebra weather station.

This is just....really not my thing. It’s slowly paced, with a good cast that’s ultimately wasted in the stilted plotting and the dully conventional scenes. It just never quite seems to find it’s rhythm, and while the actors do the best with what they have, it’s not quite enough to make this movie worth the watch. 4/10.