J-Hargett

Psycho is without question in my mind, the most intrigued and best display of a thriller/horror film to date. Beginning with Alfred Hitchcock's iconic style, Psycho is a classic Hitchcock film in its anxious, innovative, voyeuristic, and suspenseful camera angles and movements. The film also has a great twist ending that Hitchcock often favored in his films. The voyeuristic camera angles gives the film suspense and anxiety as you feel like you're there watching the violence unfold. Hitchcock pushed the envelope of the time with Psycho and its inherent sex and violence which aids in its timelessness. The story is riveting and kept me engrossed through the films entirety. The events unfold in true Hitchcock fashion leading up to a brilliant climax with a compelling twist. Anthony Perkins' adept performance as the charismatic yet suspicious Norman Bates only aded to the film's grace and tact. Norman Bates' character development is amazing to watch as it is slowly fed to us little by little; as well as other characters such as Marion and Lila Crane, or Norma Bates. Psycho is a classic horror movie that defined the very essence of the horror and psychological thriller genre. It is a film i throughly enjoyed and will continue to enjoy as it is highly re-watchable to me. The film is just simply, perfectly executed.

I was first hesitant to watch Michael Curtiz's Mildred Pierce and was pleasantly surprised at how quickly i was involved and absorbed into the its seamless story. Some would argue the story "lacks conviction" but i felt as though the story was engaging and interesting. The story features a few overarching themes such as the familiar theme of the "American Dream" and it is all centered around a woman instead of a man which i could appreciate. The woman being Mildred Pierce played by a highly competent Joan Crawford who delivers a knockout performance, in my eyes. Mildred Pierce climbs the proverbial ladder throughout the film and with each knockdown rises with grace in social standing. Her daughter Veda, who was portrayed marvelously by Ann Blyth, undermines and belittles Mildred throughout, but Mildred is no ordinary woman. Throughout the story we encounter drama, betrayal, and love that weave together perfectly. The cinematography was simply brilliant and beautiful. Shots such as the the one we see at the films climax of the mysterious shadows in the dark as they slowly come to light only add to the drama and tension. The story is told through flashbacks and the audience is slowly fed throughout the movie which is a refreshing change from some of the chronological and mundane movies i've seen. I've always appreciated Curtiz's Mildred Pierce, and to put Mildred Pierce in simple perspective; i hold it in higher regard than Curtiz's earlier work, Casablanca

Citizen Kane is one the most analyzed and interpreted movies of all time. Thousands upon thousands of reviews have been written about Citizen Kane and its praise goes beyond that of a "good movie." The cinematography is above reproach and is unlike any other movie i've seen. The lighting, camera angles, camera techniques, and the use of space such as background and foreground are amazing and really captured my attention. The acting is marvelous and stands the test of time. Even watching it today as a younger movie enthusiast the acting is still inviting. The plot and direction of the movie keep you interested although some have said they find it to be "slow" or "boring." Orson Welles created a real masterpiece with this movie, even if it didn't see initial wild success. There isn't much more to say about this classic that hasn't already been said, discussed, and reviewed so i will only say this; watch this movie because it is a timeless classic that you will enjoy if you are a fan of, and can appreciate, classic cinema.