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#1
Good Movies / Re: Recent Viewings, Part 2
Last post by Dr. Whom - Today at 03:34:46 AMQuote from: M.10rda on May 25, 2026, 11:14:28 AMDoctor, I recall from my youth that when Gance's NAPOLEON was discussed, it was referred to as being much longer than 560 minutes - like somewhere in the 17-25 hour range. Was there once a version that was that long, but the majority of it has been lost? Or (as you suggest in your review) did Gance intend that length but he just never managed to produce the balance?
Small correction to my original reply: the director's cut was a whopping 9:22. I watched the Brownlow restoration of 5:32. There is also a 7 hour restoration by the Cinémathèque française.
#2
Good Movies / Re: Recent Viewings, Part 2
Last post by Dr. Whom - Today at 03:27:15 AMNapoléon (1927) suite et fin
So, I made it through. Now, this is undoubtedly one of those movies that is used to separate the men from the boys when it comes to Serious Movie Lovers. Part of this is no doubt the sunken cost fallacy: after sitting through it, you feel this has got to be a masterpiece, otherwise you've wasted your day. Also, after a while Stockholm Syndrome sets in.
First of all, it truly is impressive. If there ever was a movie that merited the label 'grand historical fresco', this is it. I don't know to what extend all the various techniques were common at the time, but Abel Gance literally uses every trick in the book.
However, it is painfully slow. After 333 minutes Napoleon is just embarking upon his career. All the things he is known for (conquering Europe, Egyptian expedition, Russian Campaign, return and defeat at Waterloo) are still in the future.
More seriously, it is a blatant piece of Napoleonic propaganda that makes Leni Riefenstahl look subtle. After a couple of hours, this gets tiring.
Finally, there is little dramatic tension. Napoleon doesn't find his destiny or has to face choices. History just happens with Napoleon being Napoleon throughout.
Interesting to watch if you like early filmmaking, but no need to see all of it.
So, I made it through. Now, this is undoubtedly one of those movies that is used to separate the men from the boys when it comes to Serious Movie Lovers. Part of this is no doubt the sunken cost fallacy: after sitting through it, you feel this has got to be a masterpiece, otherwise you've wasted your day. Also, after a while Stockholm Syndrome sets in.
First of all, it truly is impressive. If there ever was a movie that merited the label 'grand historical fresco', this is it. I don't know to what extend all the various techniques were common at the time, but Abel Gance literally uses every trick in the book.
However, it is painfully slow. After 333 minutes Napoleon is just embarking upon his career. All the things he is known for (conquering Europe, Egyptian expedition, Russian Campaign, return and defeat at Waterloo) are still in the future.
More seriously, it is a blatant piece of Napoleonic propaganda that makes Leni Riefenstahl look subtle. After a couple of hours, this gets tiring.
Finally, there is little dramatic tension. Napoleon doesn't find his destiny or has to face choices. History just happens with Napoleon being Napoleon throughout.
Interesting to watch if you like early filmmaking, but no need to see all of it.
#3
Press Releases and Film News / Re: RIP Marcia Lucas
Last post by Dr. Whom - Today at 02:59:51 AMQuote from: Trevor on May 30, 2026, 01:42:39 AMThe Oscar winning editor of STAR WARS has passed away at the age of 80.
RIP ma'am, the Force is with you ❤️🌹
That is sad news
#6
Good Movies / Re: 100 THREE-WORD movie title...
Last post by Dr. Whom - Today at 01:43:44 AM13) War and Peace (1965)
#7
Good Movies / Re: 100 THREE-WORD movie title...
Last post by zombie no.one - Today at 12:42:08 AM12. LEAVING LAS VEGAS (1995)
#8
Press Releases and Film News / Re: Schlitz Production Coming ...
Last post by lester1/2jr - May 30, 2026, 11:38:24 PMI had Schlitz beer once I remember that it tasted like a rubber tire.
#9
Bad Movies / Re: RECENT VIEWINGS (Bad Movie...
Last post by LilCerberus - May 30, 2026, 09:18:01 PMTonight's Stinker
The Kentucky Fried Movie(1977)
https://youtu.be/7-FWcEd0kFw?si=FP39aq8UTTah7iE2
Pretty much, an eighty minute collage of comedy skits, mostly for the sake of bad taste, but still chuckle worthy in places....
Lingers on a 30 minute parody of ENTER THE DRAGON in the middle...
A few celebrity cameos...
Very edited for television, with the bawdy parts heavily pixelized, and all the bad words bleeped out, which sucks the punchline out of a racist skit at the end of the movie....
Fairly amusing at the beginning, but loses steam after the DRAGON skit...
The Kentucky Fried Movie(1977)
https://youtu.be/7-FWcEd0kFw?si=FP39aq8UTTah7iE2
Pretty much, an eighty minute collage of comedy skits, mostly for the sake of bad taste, but still chuckle worthy in places....
Lingers on a 30 minute parody of ENTER THE DRAGON in the middle...
A few celebrity cameos...
Very edited for television, with the bawdy parts heavily pixelized, and all the bad words bleeped out, which sucks the punchline out of a racist skit at the end of the movie....
Fairly amusing at the beginning, but loses steam after the DRAGON skit...
