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Post by Xanadu on Jul 2, 2003 1:29:25 GMT
I just wanted to express my extreme sadness and feelings of loss over the recent Hollywood deaths of Gregory Peck and Katharine Hepburn. Lest we not forget Buddy Hackett, Hume Cronyn, and Robert Stack as well...
Words cannot say how our culture has been enhanced by them and how deeply they will be missed...
There will never be anyone else like them...
To quote Peter O'Toole to Katharine Hepburn at the end of The Lion in Winter... "I hope we never die... do you think there's any chance of it?"
Watch that scene if interested & available, it's terribly moving this week. Are there any other classic film lovers in the group that feel this with me?
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Post by Al Truest on Jul 2, 2003 13:09:16 GMT
Gregory Peck in "To Kill a Mockingbird" is one of my all time favorite movie roles. Mr. Peck's performance was so inspirational to me. He was a rare human being, as were the others you cited. They will be greatly missed. Their elegance, charm and character are missing in many of today's performers.
Buddy Hackett, could crack me up without saying a word. His expressions and delivery were hilarious. Did you know that he was recruited to be one of the Three Stooges, after the death of 'Curly' Howard. (3 of the many stooges were Howard brothers- Moe, Shemp and Curly.) Do you Brits know of this comedy team?
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august
Reaching Out
Posts: 187
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Post by august on Jul 5, 2003 16:58:32 GMT
So many great ones gone now. They will never be replaced. I will watch old Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn movies if I come across them when flipping through channels. The last one I saw was Pat and Mike. I was surprised how athletic Katherine Hepburn was. I'm happy that these two will finally be reunited once again. If they make movies in heaven they're in for some real treats.
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Post by Lori on Jul 5, 2003 22:53:31 GMT
Ok so I guess I don't belong here  I've never heard of most of these  |
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Post by Xanadu on Jul 5, 2003 23:06:46 GMT
That's okay, you will. It's something before our time (remember I'm only 26!) and I was only a little younger than you when I discovered classic film. Now I am truly obsessed with it. LOL!
If you do ever have the chance to enjoy an old movie watch with an open mind to time it was made. Classic film actresses speak to me much in the way Kate does. Katherine Hepburn, Audrey Hepburn, Ingrid Bergman, Norma Shearer, Jean Harlow, Greta Garbo, Olivia De'Havilland, etc. are all wonderful examples of pioneering women in a man's world, both in character and film!
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Post by Al Truest on Jul 6, 2003 1:09:20 GMT
Perhaps the new classics are in the making. With some polish and wisdom, the Natalie Portmans' and Ewen McGreagors' may have the style and grace to warrant such devotion. What is needed more than anything is the writing. Quality scripts seem to take a back seat to special effects and violence.
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Post by Xanadu on Jul 7, 2003 19:14:50 GMT
I agree you about with the quality of films that are being produced. But, it's "the chicken and the egg" issue. If you make only movies that make huge money and teens are the only ones willing to go and pay for those films, then they only make movies teens want to see. Are you a Star Wars fan, Al? I'm guessing form your suggestion here. I really like Ewan McGregor and Natalie Portman, back when they were making Shallow Grave and The Professional. But Hollywood is only concerned with making copies of classics and classic stars (i.e. Down with Love) than trying to create something new. How about Lucas try to create a new beloved franchise, instead of recycling his older material? Why can't Natalie Portman be a star as she is rather than be compared to Audrey Hepburn every 5 minutes? The current stars will never have the image, class, talent, and individuality is they always live in the shadow of their predecessors according to the media. I am truly a lover of all genres of film, but I have to admit that my patience is being tried today. We introduce these actors, shower them with roles, money, and fame for 15 minutes then use them up and move on. Let's talk about today's stars from 15 minutes ago: Liam Neeson, Kenneth Brannagh, Emma Thompson, Madeline Stowe, Alec Baldwin, etc. Unless they work at developing their own style and work, they'll have no longevity. It's not exactly their fault, look at what they have to work with.  |
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Post by Neo Stella on Jul 7, 2003 19:47:54 GMT
Hi folks, drama junkie here!  Generating a market for new films with great story lines with special effects taking a back seat requires such huge investments in marketing today that many financiers consider the risk too great to bear. Betting on sure fire winners (or near sure fire) is now the order of the day. Sheer economics narrows the scope for new up-and coming script writers to explore new ideas. A similar thing is happening within the music business. Part of the evolution process I suppose. What do you think? |
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Post by Al Truest on Jul 7, 2003 20:45:16 GMT
Thanks Zan for picking up on the Natalie Portman comparison. That is precisely why I chose her to represent my point. It is so often about image and formula's now. Look at all the 'reality TV' and copycat movie themes.
The real salvation (and this goes to your point as well MT) may be the internet and Independant film festivals. If Sundance and Aspen for example would expand their philosophy to online money making projects, then maybe periodic world wide Independant film festivals, could recapture the old movie experience. ??
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august
Reaching Out
Posts: 187
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Post by august on Jul 8, 2003 0:38:40 GMT
Most of the time I will opt to see an independent film with little known actors rather than what is the latest box office hit. Sometimes they can surprise everyone and leave the usual big star vehicles in the dust. Like The Full Monty did. Sometimes audiences do want more substance for their money.
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Post by Al Truest on Jul 8, 2003 1:39:00 GMT
I gotten to where I'll watch more documentaries. There is real drama and interest in them, as well as in some biographies. But some of the best movies I've seen are picked up by PBS. One in particular is my favorite. The main character reminded me of one of my daughters. I'm sure some of you have seen it... "Anne of Green Gables"
Colleen Dewhurst and Richard Farnsworth (God rest their souls) turned in heart wrenching and powerful performances. If you haven't seen this one. Rent it ASAP!
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Post by Xanadu on Jul 15, 2003 18:38:05 GMT
While speaking of Colleen Dewhurst, well sort of, her son and his wife have been making some excellent films for the last several years. Campbell Scott, son of Dewhurst and George C. Scott, and his wife Patricia Clarkson. He's a creative actor, screenwriter and director. If you're looking for something interesting, maybe you'll like one of his films. Just a footnote on where this thread is going about independent films. I was reading the box office reports for the last few weeks and have made note that films like The Swimming Pool, Whale Rider and Bend It Like Beckham are making MORE per screen (which is only like 150-300) than the summer blockbusters (about 1,500 to 3,000) !!!  AND are holding their own on the top 20 list for the week!! Why do I notice this and not the studios? |
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Post by Xanadu on Jul 28, 2003 18:36:20 GMT
Just wanted to mark a moment of thought and silence for the passing of Bob Hope today. The world is a little less "Hope-ful" without him.  He'll be terribly missed. 2003 has been a devasting year for celebrity death. To quote an excellent memorial for Katharine Hepburn in the July 11th Entertainment Weekly: "The old gods are gone now... Who is there to tell us how it was anymore? No one, and so the shiny youth of American film passes into history." |
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I've never heard of most of these 
He'll be terribly missed. 2003 has been a devasting year for celebrity death.