The latest entry in my continuing series of Forgotten 70's Films is Night Moves [1975](which was a film at least a year before it was a song by Bob Seger). Gene Hackman plays Harry, a private detective hired by a middle-aged, second-rate Hollywood starlet to find her missing daughter (played by a VERY young Melanie Griffith). Harry takes the case, despite the protests of his wife (Susan Clark).
The film is part Sunset Boulevard, part Raymond Chandler, part Elmore Leonard. For some reason, the film has been largely forgotten, which is a real shame. Directed by Arthur Penn (who will always be remembered for Bonnie and Clyde, and rightfully so), Night Moves is a way above-average detective flick with great acting, characters, and direction. Penn is excellent at making his camera convey character information. There's a great shot where the four leads are all in one room, trying to sort things out. They're all in one room, but Penn has positioned them in such a way that we see their individual isolation, loneliness and utter helplessness. The last ten minutes of the film, while a little confusing, are edited very well. When you see it, you'll understand how important an editor can be to a film.
Book sales have been going pretty well, so yesterday I treated myself to buying the first season of The Twilight Zone (at Costco, of course). I immediately watched two episodes last night, "Long Live Walter Jamison," one of my favorites. The audio commentary with Kevin McCarthy wasn't so great, but the episode looks sharp and clear. Really a nice job, considering these episodes are over 40 years old. I also watched "A World of Difference," just because it had been years since I'd seen it. Can't wait to jump into some of the real classics like "Time Enough at Last," "Monsters are Due on Maple Street," and many more.
Now Playing = The Older Stuff – Michael Nesmith
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