Before The Nickelodeon: The Early Cinema Of Edwin S Porter DVD

Advantages: Great films
Disadvantages: I wanted more!

...If you are even only vaguely interested in the early days of cinema, you really do need to get this special 2 DVD set. Because when the British Film Institute says early, they mean really early! The earliest film in this collection dates back to 1895. Yes! That's right! 1895! You can see gems like Sortie d'usine, which is a film taken of workers leaving the Lumiere factory in Lyon, France. One amusing point in this film I that a dog rushes out with all of the workers and then a while later, rushes back, perhaps after realising that he had inadvertently left his pet human behind! The next film (Repas de bebe) is also from 1895 and records Auguste Lumiere and his family enjoying breakfast in their garden. As the commentary (written by Barry Salt, read by Michael Garland) points out the audience of the day were equally as fascinated... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Interesting characters. Great soundtrack. Mel is mean, man.
Disadvantages: None really (although some might be concerned about the brutality).

...in any other way? If I'd been just a little dumber, I could have joined the force myself." Gathering enemies and hangers-on along the way, including the above referenced cops, Porter finds that it's not easy getting people to simply hand over $70,000. People want a slice of his cash and even worse, his old partner has told the Oriental gentlemen that Porter was responsible for their loss. Porter will have to go some to get rid of these interested parties before he can finally get his hands on his cash. Payback is filmed in an interesting style; the colours are washed out and with the voice over, it has an almost film noir feel to it. As stated earlier, it's a very brutal film. People are killed in direct ways with quite a bit of violence, but the directness and brutality are part of what makes this film work for me. Despite the fact... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Beautifully filmed with magnificent set and costumes
Disadvantages: It makes you cry

...This film is so beautiful to watch- I loved it. It is a very clever and orginal way to portray a biographical film and it worked brilliantly. Instead of just watching it and having to accept what we are shown, the 'old' Cole Porter's comments and frustrations at his own life make the story so much more real and believable. Although it is not entirely accurate the devices used allow viewers to successfully suspend their disbelief. The costumes and set design are so beautiful (especially Linda Porter's wardrobe) I would watch it again just for the design elements! Ashley Judd is stunning as Linda Porter , her pain at Cole's indiscretion and her miscarriage is portrayed so tenderly. Before watching the film I thought I would question Linda Porter's ability to accept Cole's homosexuality in their marriage but instantly understood... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful