Singing in the Rain - Translated

  Singing in the rain
     (02/18/2004)

The movies served as form of record for the dance performance and had a fundamental purpose in its preservation over the twentieth century. The film musical combined American forms of ballet (ballroom dancing, tap dancing and acrobatic dance) with the romantic and comic opera.

Historically, the film musical was born with the sound cinema, "The Jazz Singer", in 1927, opened at the same time the talkies and the singing cinema. However, the movie musical has become established in the United States along the lines of Broadway shows, and had its real heyday with Vincent Minnelli, who brought to the big screen his experience in musical theater.

Besides Minnelli, there are other great creators of the film musicals, such as the directors Busby Berkeley, Stanley Donen, actors like Fred Astaire, Dick Powell and Bing Crosby,  actress like Ginger Rogers, Betty Grable, Cyd Charisse, Judy Garland, choreographers like Bob Fosse, Robert Alton, Charles Walters and Michael Kidd, actor / director Gene Kelly.

The film musical is basically characterized by presenting  scripts that mix dance, music, and singing and has the choreography as its strength. In "Singing in the Rain" Gene Kelly brought the art of the dance to the film, managed to bring back an aesthetic that had virtually lost since the days of silent films, he put together, in a magnificent way, the elements of dance and music in the body of the narrative, combining with perfection the tap dance and the ballet. The most famous dance number in film history is Gene Kelly's solo dance in "Singing in the Rain". The sequence in which Kelly sings and dances in the rain, became an innovative tap dance number. The sound effects are caused both by the rain falling into the puddles when Kelly jumps on them and kicks, as much as by the noise of his tap dancing. The artist dramatized dance in the rain with his athletic and exaggerated movements, and his lively and youthful exuberance. What is observed is the naturalness with which Gene Kelly surrenders when he's dancing, he expresses a contagious zest for life, also shows that he is in love. Love is present, both the love for the character of Debbie Reynolds, as well as the dance. The moment when he plays with the umbrella, and with other elements of the scenery is excellent. When Kelly goes up to the pole of the street, his  presence is exalted, his movements are masterful. Gene Kelly was also the choreographer and with Stanley Donen, delivered the scene that became to most memorable of all time. The Music "Singin 'in the Rain" was composed by Nacio Herb Brown and arranged for the film by Roger Edens.  The lyrics by Arthur Freed was adapted by Kelly, who added "and dancin '" to the back of the title. Cinematography by Harold Rosson. "Singing in the Rain" was released in the United States in April 1952, and had a huge success of public and box office. Over  the time, the film also received  recognition from the critics. "Singing in the Rain" is in 10th place of the list of  the 100 Greatest Movies, selected by American Film Institute.

The story of the film is basically to "create a memorable show", but not a mere spectacle, but the first musical movie. Gene Kelly is Don Lockwood, a famous Hollywood star of the silent movies era, his films are a success, but his life begins to change with the arrival of  the sound cinema. His challenge is to mount a musical in spite of the difficulties he finds with the new technique of film making. "Singing in the Rain" is a masterpiece, an unforgettable American classic that captivates and moves. Gene Kelly is brilliant, Donald O'Connor is amazing, hilarious, can charm the viewer with his jokes. Debbie Reynolds also has her presence, with her own style she switches a fine line between comedy and drama. Cyd Charisse is beautiful, and dance beautifully. Gene Kelly, whose perfectionism led his partners to dance to exhaustion, masterminded the choreography of the sequence "Broadway Ballet". It is said that the veil of silk used by Cyd Charisse, with more than seven feet long, was kept flowing by three engines. "Singing in the Rain" won the Golden Globe for Best Comic Actor (Donald O'Connor).

Synopsis: 

During the transition from silent films to sound film, Don Lockwood (Kelly) falls in love with singer Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds) chosen to dub the shrill voice of the star Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen).

Credits: 

Singin 'in the rain EUA/1952
Directors: Gene Kelly and Stanlen Donen
With: Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor, Debbie Reynolds, Jean Hagen, Milllard Mitchell, Cyd Charisse.
MGM Musical/103 MGM minutes.

FAHRENHEIT 451 - Translated

 

 

FAHRENHEIT 451
 (12/12/2003)

Released in 1966, "Fahrenheit 451" is a classic movie, directed by the brilliant French director François Truffaut. Considered one of the best science fiction films of the 60s, is today, revered by many fans and film lovers worldwide. The film is an exquisite adaptation of the American writer Ray Bradbury's book.

François Truffaut, with Jean-Luc Godard, Alain Resnais, Claude Chabrol and Louis Malle, is one of the masterminds of the "Nouvelle Vauge" or "New Wave " the most influential cinematographic movement of the modern cinema, that emerged in France in 1959/1960, which proposed to renew and regenerate a cinematography considered in decline. Composed of new filmmakers coming, mostly, of film criticism and, in particular, the legendary magazine Cahiers du Cinema, the movement diversified styles, brought spontaneity, expression of a culture on the screen, and launch the self-taught talent, which often resorted to improvisation, also contributed to the expansion of world cinema. Truffaut's film debut was the controversial "The 400 Blows"(1959), based on his autobiography, reported his troubled childhood. In 1962 he released his masterpiece: "Jules and Jim", an adaptation of the book by Henry-Pierre Roché, bringing the muse Jeanne Moreau in the lead role. With "Fahrenheit 451" Truffaut gives a show of aesthetic design.

The story takes place in the future, the state controls the culture, the public has no right to reading and to have knowledge.  They are alienated and mentally enslaved. They have no past, because history is denied. Firefighters do not know that one day they extinguish the fires, and has as their duties to put fire in any type of printed material. "Literature is the main propagator of unhappiness. Readers can not exist, are threats to society. The population should denounce them", is one of the slogans of the fascist government.

The name of the title "Fahrenheit 451" means the ideal temperature for the combustion to burnt paper.

No doubt it is a groundbreaking movie, daring and original. Note: If you watched the film "Alphaville" by Jean-Luc Godard, you will notice a similarity between this and "Fahrenheit 451" because the history of the two strands is in the near future and presents a totalitarian society where the government has power over its inhabitants. Will the two movies are a metaphor for our situation?
 

SYNOPSIS: In a futuristic society, the "firefighters" have as their main task to burn all the books, since they were abolished by the government. It was established that the literature only spread the misery.  That's when the fireman Montag (Oskar Werner) falls for a beautiful and cultured teacher (Julie Christie), which shows him all the pleasures that reading can offer. He becomes a compulsive reader and begins to question the line of thought imposed by the State.

MICROCOSMOS - Translated

    Microcosmos
    (07/15/2004)

Nature is amazing. Who among us, mere mortals, stopped to observe the habits and daily lives of small creatures, such as caterpillars, slugs, butterflies, bees, crickets, ladybugs, beetles, ants, spiders, crickets, and many other insects that are unnoticed or even cause phobias in some people?

For 15 years, the French biologists Claude Nuridsany and Marie Perennou, researched the lives of these creatures and had the brilliant idea to make this work in a film production.

With great patience, creativity, dedication, knowledge and love of these animals, the two biologists / filmmakers managed to bring to the big screen an impeccable film. To make "Microcosmos", the team was accompanied to create delicate, revolutionary photographic equipment, using magnifying glasses that have added hundreds and even thousands of times the size of the small animals. They spent about three years in filming and six months in editing. Recorded scenes, such as the beautiful metamorphosis of the caterpillar into butterfly, the mating of two slugs, presented in a poetic form, the skillful technique of  imprisonment of a spider, as it catches its prey and stores it in a well-built web, the dexterity of a beetle to carry its food (manure), faces many challenges, but remains firm and steadfast in his mind; the huge drops of rain falling on vegetation and soil, affecting the insects and causing chaos, the frenetic pace of work of the ants and how they are organized, the carnivorous plant capturing a bee and many other brilliant scenes. The sound was also extended by special equipment, which is apparently inaudible seems to come to our ears in a clear and natural way. The soundtrack fits perfectly in every scene, making the viewer identify with the fascinating and immense universe explored by insects.

It is a must-see, for their artistic value, the content of teaching and also to present a flawless picture. "Microcosmos"  won several awards, such as the special prize at the Cannes Film Festival and four Cesar Awards (French Oscar) in the categories of photography, soundtrack, sound and editing. It was a box office hit in several countries when launched in 1996, and has achieved an audience of various ages.

SYNOPSIS: In a huge and fascinating green world, there is an unknown world, where tiny creatures live and interact with nature. The cycle of life - birth, transformation, food, fight for survival, mating and death - is part of the daily life of each one of these creatures. An exciting adventure that has the insects as main characters.


Credits:
Microcosmos: Le Peupple de l´herbe.
France/1996
Directors: Claude Nuridsany e Marie Perennou
Documentary/77 minutes

The Land of the Sea - Translated

THE LAND OF THE SEA
 (12/20/2007)

The Land of the Sea is a documentary focusing on the interaction between the inhabitants of the bays of Paranaguá, Laranjeiras and Guaraqueçaba in northern Paraná, and Cananéia Bay on the southern coast of São Paulo, all in Brazil, with their environment. People who have a humble way of life and living from fishing.  It portrays their customs, festivals, beliefs and myths.

Despite the lack of electricity and the comforts of the "modern world", these people know how to contemplate the beauty of the region and teaches us how it is possible to interact with the nature, making it a living without attacking it.

It is an educative and touching movie, and shows, in a charming way, the habits of this wonderful people, often unknown to the populations of major urban centers.

Synopsis: On the south coast of Brazil there is a simple and wise people interacting with nature, taking their survival and life experience. 

Credits: 

Land of The Sea

Brazil/USA/1997

Directed by: Mirella Martinelli and Eduardo Caron

Photography and cinematography by: Eduardo Caron

Documentary 81 minutes

SOYLENT GREEN - Translated

 

 

Soylent Green 

(12/20/2007)

One of the best science fiction films of all time, the cult movie Soylent Green  is based on the novel Make Room, Make Room by Harry Harrison.
It portrays our world in a dark and disturbing future. In the 21st century, the Earth faces serious problems such as overcrowding and lack of food.
This film is fairly stated, especially for its surprise ending and the remarkable performance of Edward G. Robinson(Double Indemnity – 1944, The Stranger – 1946, Key Largo - 1948, The Ten Commandments - 1956), in his last performance.

Synopsis: 

 Manhattan, in the year 2022, replaced by serious problems of overpopulation. The policeman Thorn (Charlton Heston, the same actor of the classic Planet of the Apes, The Omega Man, among others), has the task of investigating the murder of a powerful executive and discovers a terrible secret about the green solvent, current food population. Edward G. Robinson is brilliant in his poignant death scene. Direction of Richard Fleischer (Fantastic Voyage, The Boston Strangler, Mandingo).

Credits:
Soylent Green
Science Fiction USA/1973
Directed by: Richard Fleischer
Cast: Charlton Heston, Leigh Taylor-Young, Chuck Connors, Edward G.Robinson.

97 minutes

CABARET - Translated

CABARET
(20/12/2007)


 "Life is a Cabaret!" Famous phrase of the spectacular musical / drama 1972, directed by Bob Fosse (All That Jazz, 1979, Sweet Charity (1968), starring Liza Minnelli, Michael York, Joel Gray (magnificent as the master of ceremony), Helmut Grien, among others.
 

The story is set in the early '30s, Sally Bowles (Liza Minnelli) is the principal dancer and singer in an entertainment club in Berlin, while experiencing an affair with two men, Brian Roberts (York) and Maximilian von Heune (Grien), Nazism begins to become powerful in Germany.
 

Written by Christopher Isherwood and John VanDruten, Composition of John Lander, it is a masterpiece of the cinema. It is worth seeing not only for the interesting plot, but by all: choreography, actors interpretation (Liza Minnelli is excellent) songs, like the famous "Money, Money," "Maybe This Time" and "Cabaret," and entertainment, the film is vibrant, engaging, without a doubt!

 Winner of Oscar for Best Director, Best Actress (Liza Minnelli), Best Supporting Actor (Joel Gray), Photography, Art Direction, Sound, Soundtrack and Editing. Also received the Oscar Nominations for Best Picture and Adapted Screenplay.

Cabaret is in the 63rd place among the best American movies of all time at the American Film Institute (new list of 20th of June 2007, the previous list is from 1988).

Summary: Sally meets Brian, when he begins to rent a room in her home. The two just get along and become friends, despite being completely different. Brian is very polite, a professor at the Cambridge University, England, who is in Germany for teaching English to local residents. Sally is an eccentric woman, love to live intensely, is cheerful, fun, and wants to become a famous actress. Gradually, Sally pushes Brian to a romantic relationship, but he resists, because his love disappointments of the past. However, he becomes romantically involved with the dancer. Later, Sally meets Maximilian, an eccentric millionaire, the two begin to get involved. The three partners starts to have fun together, despite the jealousy of Brian, and he also doesn't feel comfortable with Sally's liberal style of life. Sally gets pregnant (she doesn't know  who is the father).  However, Brian proposes her marriage and stable life. But, Sally cannot depart from her glamorous night life and her shows, from  the Cabaret. Finally, Sally and Brian have their lives apart, and the show must go on .....

Cabaret
USA/1972
Director:Bob Fosse
Cast: Liza Minnelli, Michael York, Helmut Griem, Joel Grey, Marisa Berenson
124 minutes

High Noon - translated

High Noon 

(06/02/2004)

Released in the United States on July 30, 1952, "High Noon" is a classic American western of the postwar period, one of the best movies of all time Its director Fred Zinnemann, producer Stanley Kramer and writer Carl Foreman. It is an original movie that deals with topics such as ethics and morality. A masterpiece of cinema, possibly the best "western" ever made. It is presented as a "western" tense which tells the story of a man who, despite his integrity and sense of justice, is not understood by people of his community. The characters undergo psychological dramas and consciousness, society is selfish and cowardly, and shows based on false concepts of solidarity and self-interest. "Western" is a genre specifically American, which operates mainly landmarks like the Civil War and the Conquest of the West. It is characterized traditionally by presenting a simple narrative scheme, an intense episodic action and a peculiar physical and human landscape. In addition to having inherent values of rhythm and movement, requires a universality to create a kind of mythological hero whose life is to fight for justice. The "good guy" is usually represented by the cowboy or the lonely sheriff, fearless and righteous that challenges the "bad guy" or out-of-law. In "High Noon" the genre is more intellectual. With three main story lines: the story of the relationship of Will Kane (Gary Cooper) and Frank Miller (Ian MacDoanld) where the past comes the present and results in a threatening display of an ancient drama, the story of Kane and Amy and their marriage interrupted by men from the past, the history of the Sheriff Kane with the population of Hadleyville, which doesn't gives him the moral support that he so desperately needed in their fight against Miller. The Cooper's hero spends almost the entire movie for help addressing possible aid and also refusing it. The scene of the church is the moral center of the film when Kane will ask for assistance.The first cooperation is given by the pastor who begins to read a text from the Bible, Malachi IV, which predicts the fatal destiny of the "superb" and "evil" in the day that "burn as an oven," condemning Kane  for his lack of commitment to the church. The villains of "High Noon" provides a perfect rhythmic foundation and stand out strongly at the beginning and end of the movie. The reckoning at noon (high noon) is the result of what happened in Hadleyville's past five years ago when Kane took Miller to the court for a crime that earned him a life sentence. The action of "High Noon" runs in real time, starts at 10:40 hours and walks up to the minute at noon. John Wayne once declared that "High Noon" was the largest anti-American film ever made.Wayne was apparently offended by the end of the film that shows the sheriff removing his badge and tossing it out.

"High Noon" received top billing in 1952 and won several awards such as Best Picture and Director (Fred Zinnemann ) by the Film Critics New York; four Golden Globes, in the following categories: Best Actor - Drama (Gary Cooper), Best Supporting Actress (Katy Jurado), Best Cinematography - Black and White and Best Soundtrack; the Award of Bodil Best American Film, in 1953, won four Oscars: Best Actor (Gary Cooper), Best Editing (Harry Gerstad and Elmo Williams), Best Soundtrack (Dimitri Tiomkin) and Best Song (Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darling) (Ned Washington). It is an essential film, helped to consolidate the career of the super-star Gary Cooper, has highlighted the beautiful actress Grace Kelly (who played her first major role) and Zinnemann confirmed as one of the most celebrated filmmakers in the world. 

SYNOPSIS: One Sunday morning in the late nineteenth century, Will Kane, the sheriff resigning from the town of Hadleyville, the western United States, is married to Amy, and go with her to begin a new life elsewhere. That's when news arrives that Frank Miller, the criminal that Kane had sent to jail for the rest of his life, he earned a parole after serving five years and is worth the noon train to run the threat of revenge made in the past . He is supported by three accomplices who are already in town. The sheriff, in principle, is persuaded to depart as planned, but decides to return, even if the bride does not support him to face Miller. Amy leaves him and takes the train that will take her back home in St. Louis. From there, the sheriff tries to recruit new staff, but the population fearful, hypocritical and even, in part, elated, let him alone with his fate. After writing his will, he meets the gang in a deadly game of hide and seek in the empty streets of the tow. Hearing the first shot when she takes the train, Amy changes her mind and go back; putting aside her principles, she shoots a bad guy in the back and kills him. Helped by Amy later, which was taken hostage, Kane can win the duel with Miller.The sheriff removes his badge and toss it out. He lives the town with Amy as the villages gather dumbfounded and embarrassed.

High Noon
USA/1952
Director: Fred Zinnemann
Starring: Gary Cooper, Thomas Mitchell, Lloyd Bridges, Katy Jurado, Grace Kelly, Ian MacDonald, Lee Van Cleef.
United Artists Corporation
Western/85 minutes.

About the Author

          (Cinemac)

Educator, journalist, life coach, sales consultant, film critic, web content writer.
California, United States.