MOVIE: Mon Oncle (1958)

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Mon Oncle Year: 1958 Rating: Not Rated Length: 116 minutes / 1.93 hours One tragedy of the end of the era of silent comedies of the 1930s is that few have taken on that mantle in the modern era. The closest we get is something like Mon Oncle (1958), a French film by Jacques Tati that pokes fun at “modern” technologies and avant-garde art with very little dialogue. It’s basically slapstick that makes fun of the conveniences that get in the way more than they help automate everyday life. That it feels applicable even today is a testament to its critique of “the next big thing.” The film follows M. Hulot (Jacques Tati) as he visits his nephew and has to endure the geometric and impractical design choices of the nephew’s family. The entire lifestyle is shown to be performative and is as far from the comfort that Hulot experiences in his cozy city apartment. Still, Hulot is offered a job at a factory which...
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MOVIE: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958)

by benmweilertNo Comments
Cat on a Hot Tin RoofYear: 1958Rating: Not RatedLength: 108 minutes / 1.80 hours While I understand the ease of adapting stage plays into movies, the result still feels a lot like watching a stage play on the big screen. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (1958) is no exception. Adapted from the Tennessee Williams play of the same name, this movie boasts a few big names like Elizabeth Taylor and Paul Newman. I think this movie probably wouldn’t have been as notable unless it had these names tied to it in some way. After all, there’s a reason why we still remember these writers and actors today. Even if Cat on a Hot Tin Roof starts slow, the increasing amount of twists and reveals makes for an entertaining movie. I think part of my issue with the slow start might be with Elizabeth Taylor’s acting. It felt to me like she was reading memorized lines and didn’t put much emotion or effort into her performance....
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