Tag: elisha cook jr

Dillinger

Dillinger is a 1945 movie directed by Max Nosseck.

Dillinger tells the rise and fall story of John Dillinger from petty crook to America’s most wanted bank robber. Lawrence Tierney plays the title character with a hardened, dominating menace. He creates a truly contemptible villain – one fitting with the era and decidedly slanted direction of Max Nosseck. There is no redemption even remotely suggested – Tierney’s Dillinger is a cold-blooded killer and thief.

THE BEST – It’s Tierney’s World

The orbit of Dillinger is all-consuming. There’s little oxygen left for the remaining characters. Tierney’s Dillinger dominates conversations. Some of the best:

“John, I don’t think we should do this.” “I don’t care what you think.”

“I’d like to know where I am.” “You’re with me.”

“Why don’t you take that poster down?” “I like it there.”

THE WORST – The Disguise

For a movie that boasts a surprising grit and hard moments of realism, Tierney’s comic mustache and glasses when he’s finally killed is mostly hilarious. This facet of the ending is a strange departure from the rest of the movie’s tone – along with a stain on Tierney’s otherwise hard-boiled, authentic performance.

FOX FORCE FIVE RATING -4.25/5

Dillinger is highlighted by an outstanding performance by Tierney. The supporting cast is passable and despite the era’s insistence on social commentary, Dillinger maintains a unique authenticity and menace.

Rosemary’s Baby

Rosemary’s Baby is a 1968 movie directed by Roman Polanski.

WHAT HAPPENS?

A young couple move into a new apartment and befriend their older neighbors, the Castevet’s. Rosemary becomes pregnant and grows suspicious of those around her – eventually realizing she and her unborn baby are the targets of an occult group.

ONE LINE REVIEW

Rosemary’s Baby is a well-crafted, exceptional piece of horror.

THE ACTORS

Mia Farrow plays the demure title character and gives the movie its moral core. Her most memorable moments come as she physically and emotionally loses touch with her body. It’s a delicate, but profound performance – highlighted by the ritual dream sequences in which she becomes an unwitting participant in the Castevet’s occult practices. Farrow immerses herself in the physical traits of the role – her vibrant Rosemary grows ashen and sickly as the movie progresses towards its shocking end.

Ruth Gordon and Sidney Blackmer are phenomenal as Minnie and Roman Castevet. Gordon is a scene stealer as the whirlwind, aloof Minnie. Her character dominates the screen – fluidly manipulating Rosemary throughout her pregnancy. Blackmer plays Roman with a genteel varnish and feigned confusion. It’s a unique performance that presents his character as both mysterious and innocuous.

Continue reading “Rosemary’s Baby”