Der Stand der Dinge (1982)

 

The crew is running out of money to finish their film.

From memory: Arguably Wim Wenders' best movie is a sum of his work and his artistry and also presents the haphazardness of film-making, photographed in beautiful black-and-white images; alone, the entrance sequence of the post-apocalyptic sci-fi film demonstrates what Wenders would Wenders himself could have done with such a project.

Halliwell*: "A sort of B movie about the making of a B movie and a reflection on the meaning of cinema, within the loose format of a thriller."

Maltin***: "Fascinating if uneven mystery...Interesting as a peek behind the scenes at the filmmaking process, and as a homage to Corman." 

One From the Heart (1981)

 

The five-year romance of a window dresser and her boyfriend breaks up, as each of them finds a more interesting partner.

From memory: An expensive, audacious, but failed experiment by Francis Ford Coppola, it's visually stunning,  but narrative (and music) are simply not quite from the heart; it's all too obviously artificial.

Halliwell*: "Extraordinarily slim (for its cost) romantic fantasy which makes one wonder why, of all stories in the world, its creator chose this one. It does however boast attractive visuals."

Maltin**: "Lavishly produced but practically plotless romantic comedy...Dean Tavoularis' stylized Las Vegas set and the cinematography by Vittorio Storaro and Ronald V. Garcia are astonishing! Unfortunately, pretty images do not make a film...one of Coppola's most surreal entertainments. A must for the curious - others beware." 

Hi, Mom! (1970)

 

A Vietnam vet moves into an apartment and views in other people's windows across the street, meets one of the women, and discovers black theater. 

Another early De Palma satire this time around has a more focused narrative with Robert De Niro as its main protagonist, better, if not always good humor and some imaginative sequences.

Halliwell*: "Busy comedy of the drop-out life, full of random satirical jabs and homages to other filmmakers."

 

 

The Brink's Job (1978)

Crime story based on the real armed robbery of the Brink's Building in Boston, Massachusetts, on January 17th, 1950.

From memory: Professionally made, star-cast heist movie is offered with humor, but not much excitement.

Halliwell (no star): "Farcical variation of a much-told true tale. Despite much mugging by the stars and a frantic narrative style, it does not come off."

Maltin***: "Entertaining, comically oriented account...Excellent period and location flavor."

The Stunt Man (1980)

A fugitive stumbles on a movie set just when they need a new stunt man, takes the job as a way to hide out and falls for the leading lady.

From memory: Quite original, fast-paced, entertaining tale with some black humor; Peter O'Toole's performance is outstanding.

Halliwell*: "Overlong, curious, but sometimes compelling melodrama which entertains on the surface while its actual aims are harder to fathom."

Maltin***: "An outrageous black comedy  in which reality and make-believe blur...Crammed with first-rate action and sly wit, plus a mesmerizing performance by O'Toole as the Christ-like Eli Cross. Attention must be paid, but the rewards are more than ample. Dazzlingly scripted...and directed; amusing score..."