Comments on: DVD of the Week: This Sporting Life (1963) http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/27/dvd-of-the-week-this-sporting-life-1963/ Sun, 12 Feb 2012 13:45:25 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=1.5.1-alpha by: The Evil Twin http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/27/dvd-of-the-week-this-sporting-life-1963/#comment-1351 Sat, 02 Feb 2008 20:59:34 +0000 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/27/dvd-of-the-week-this-sporting-life-1963/#comment-1351 Caught Kes a few months back and really loved it. Want to review it again to soak up some of the smaller moments that I missed the first time around due to some distractions during viewing. I also echo the previous commenter's sentiments on The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner - I found it to be a long, boring stretch of nothing much, and have relegated it to my top 10 most overrated films of all time, like Network and Minnie and Moskowitz. (Or, for that matter, most of Cassavettes output. I know that's heresy in most film lover's eyes, but I've never bought the Cassevettes myth, no matter how many pieces I've read arguing his aesthetic strengths). Caught Kes a few months back and really loved it. Want to review it again to soak up some of the smaller moments that I missed the first time around due to some distractions during viewing. I also echo the previous commenter’s sentiments on The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner - I found it to be a long, boring stretch of nothing much, and have relegated it to my top 10 most overrated films of all time, like Network and Minnie and Moskowitz. (Or, for that matter, most of Cassavettes output. I know that’s heresy in most film lover’s eyes, but I’ve never bought the Cassevettes myth, no matter how many pieces I’ve read arguing his aesthetic strengths).

]]> by: Vanwall http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/27/dvd-of-the-week-this-sporting-life-1963/#comment-1340 Wed, 30 Jan 2008 09:13:23 +0000 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/27/dvd-of-the-week-this-sporting-life-1963/#comment-1340 As an aside, it's nice to see Julie Christie up for the Best Actress Oscar for "Away From Her" - a New Wave angry young woman who made good. As an aside, it’s nice to see Julie Christie up for the Best Actress Oscar for “Away From Her” - a New Wave angry young woman who made good.

]]> by: Marilyn http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/27/dvd-of-the-week-this-sporting-life-1963/#comment-1339 Wed, 30 Jan 2008 07:51:40 +0000 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/27/dvd-of-the-week-this-sporting-life-1963/#comment-1339 I thought some of you might be interested in my blog partner's article on the <a href="http://ferdyonfilms.com/2006/02/look-back-influences-and.php" rel="nofollow">British Free Cinema</a>. I thought some of you might be interested in my blog partner’s article on the British Free Cinema.

]]> by: Jeremy http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/27/dvd-of-the-week-this-sporting-life-1963/#comment-1337 Wed, 30 Jan 2008 07:39:24 +0000 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/27/dvd-of-the-week-this-sporting-life-1963/#comment-1337 Really wonderful film with a towering performance by Harris. I caught this a couple of years back on TCM and have been hoping for a DVD release. Really thrilling to see it ending up in the hands of Criterion....I would love to see more films from this important period in cinema history getting quality releases here. POOR COW being at the very top... Really wonderful film with a towering performance by Harris. I caught this a couple of years back on TCM and have been hoping for a DVD release. Really thrilling to see it ending up in the hands of Criterion….I would love to see more films from this important period in cinema history getting quality releases here. POOR COW being at the very top…

]]> by: cinebeats http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/27/dvd-of-the-week-this-sporting-life-1963/#comment-1336 Tue, 29 Jan 2008 18:09:08 +0000 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/27/dvd-of-the-week-this-sporting-life-1963/#comment-1336 I'm surprised (and happy) by all responses to this post since I mentioned the film as well as Anderson numerous times last year (including in the linked Richard Harris post above), but I was under the impression the film didn't have a large modern audience. In general, British cinema seems to often be neglected by critics, but it was really my first love when I was a very young thing and just getting seriously interested in film in the early 80s. Anderson is one of my favorite British directors and I tend to enjoy all of his films that I've managed to see, including <strong>This Sporting Life</strong>. I was rather lucky since I got to see a lot of great British cinema from the '60s and early '70s when I was in my teens (early-mid '80s) at local revival houses. For one reason or another the work of directors like Anderson, Richard Lester, Nicolas Roeg, Ken Russell, etc. was shown a lot then. I have seen <strong>Kes</strong> (really wonderful film) as well as all the other movies mentioned except for <strong>The Luck of Ginger Coffey</strong>, which I'm very curious about. For anyone who's interested in British cinema, I highly recommend spending some time exploring the British film site <a href="http://www.cinedelica.com/" rel="nofollow">Cinedelica</a>, which I occasionally write for. You can find lots of of reviews, clips, etc. there of British films as well as other stuff. I’m surprised (and happy) by all responses to this post since I mentioned the film as well as Anderson numerous times last year (including in the linked Richard Harris post above), but I was under the impression the film didn’t have a large modern audience. In general, British cinema seems to often be neglected by critics, but it was really my first love when I was a very young thing and just getting seriously interested in film in the early 80s. Anderson is one of my favorite British directors and I tend to enjoy all of his films that I’ve managed to see, including This Sporting Life. I was rather lucky since I got to see a lot of great British cinema from the ’60s and early ’70s when I was in my teens (early-mid ’80s) at local revival houses. For one reason or another the work of directors like Anderson, Richard Lester, Nicolas Roeg, Ken Russell, etc. was shown a lot then.

I have seen Kes (really wonderful film) as well as all the other movies mentioned except for The Luck of Ginger Coffey, which I’m very curious about.

For anyone who’s interested in British cinema, I highly recommend spending some time exploring the British film site Cinedelica, which I occasionally write for. You can find lots of of reviews, clips, etc. there of British films as well as other stuff.

]]> by: Marilyn http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/27/dvd-of-the-week-this-sporting-life-1963/#comment-1335 Tue, 29 Jan 2008 17:26:35 +0000 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/27/dvd-of-the-week-this-sporting-life-1963/#comment-1335 I agree that Harris and Roberts were superb in this film, but I tried twice to get through it and couldn't. I don't think I really vibrate at the same speed as the Angry Young Man films. Didn't really like <i>Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner</i> either. But if you find this your cuppa, all the films mentioned are among the best of the lot. I agree that Harris and Roberts were superb in this film, but I tried twice to get through it and couldn’t. I don’t think I really vibrate at the same speed as the Angry Young Man films. Didn’t really like Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner either. But if you find this your cuppa, all the films mentioned are among the best of the lot.

]]> by: Keith http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/27/dvd-of-the-week-this-sporting-life-1963/#comment-1331 Tue, 29 Jan 2008 10:07:52 +0000 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/27/dvd-of-the-week-this-sporting-life-1963/#comment-1331 I saw this film years and years ago. I really enjoyed it. It was one of my favorite performances by Richard Harris. I'll definitely have to check it out again since it's been so long. I saw this film years and years ago. I really enjoyed it. It was one of my favorite performances by Richard Harris. I’ll definitely have to check it out again since it’s been so long.

]]> by: Will E. http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/27/dvd-of-the-week-this-sporting-life-1963/#comment-1330 Tue, 29 Jan 2008 07:42:46 +0000 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/27/dvd-of-the-week-this-sporting-life-1963/#comment-1330 Turner Classics had <i>Kes</i> on a month or two ago; I think it was Tracey Ullmann picking her favorites (also <i>Withnail &amp; I</i> which I got to see for the first time). Can't remember how I heard of it--I think it was mentioned in the post-punk bio <i>Rip It Up, Start Again</i>. I knew it wasn't on DVD so I made sure to set the DVR. Jonathan, I'll be sure to check out your post on it. To everyone else: keep your eye on TCM! Turner Classics had Kes on a month or two ago; I think it was Tracey Ullmann picking her favorites (also Withnail & I which I got to see for the first time). Can’t remember how I heard of it–I think it was mentioned in the post-punk bio Rip It Up, Start Again. I knew it wasn’t on DVD so I made sure to set the DVR. Jonathan, I’ll be sure to check out your post on it. To everyone else: keep your eye on TCM!

]]> by: Jonathan Lapper http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/27/dvd-of-the-week-this-sporting-life-1963/#comment-1329 Tue, 29 Jan 2008 05:53:49 +0000 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/27/dvd-of-the-week-this-sporting-life-1963/#comment-1329 We should start a "kitchen-sink" / "angry young man" British new wave blogathon but I have a feeling we'd be the only ones contributing. It's my favorite "genre" from the sixties (I put it in quotes because it covers comedy to drama but it's easier to just call it a genre). <b>The Lonliness of the Long Distance Runner, The Luck of Ginger Coffey, This Sporting Life, Look Back in Anger, Georgy Girl, The Entertainer</b> - what a great set of films! We should start a “kitchen-sink” / “angry young man” British new wave blogathon but I have a feeling we’d be the only ones contributing. It’s my favorite “genre” from the sixties (I put it in quotes because it covers comedy to drama but it’s easier to just call it a genre). The Lonliness of the Long Distance Runner, The Luck of Ginger Coffey, This Sporting Life, Look Back in Anger, Georgy Girl, The Entertainer - what a great set of films!

]]> by: Vanwall http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/27/dvd-of-the-week-this-sporting-life-1963/#comment-1326 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 22:44:16 +0000 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/27/dvd-of-the-week-this-sporting-life-1963/#comment-1326 An entire period of grim films, but well worth the viewing - films have never been the same since. Harris and Rachel Roberts both should've won Oscars for "This Sporting Life", and the look of this film is mirrored constantly on independent films still today. The portrayal of a professional athlete is definitive, and this is the best sport film ever made. The whole Brit New Wave is almost like watching a series train wrecks, but so many quality moments came out of it, and so many wonderful actors and actresses made their marks, it's influence is unrivaled in my judgment. BTW, I was tickled to see the clips of that period's tail-end film "Poor Cow", by Ken Loach, grafted into Soderbergh's wonderful noirish "The Limey" from 1999, with the awesome Terence Stamp, still an angry young man even when old. An entire period of grim films, but well worth the viewing - films have never been the same since. Harris and Rachel Roberts both should’ve won Oscars for “This Sporting Life”, and the look of this film is mirrored constantly on independent films still today. The portrayal of a professional athlete is definitive, and this is the best sport film ever made. The whole Brit New Wave is almost like watching a series train wrecks, but so many quality moments came out of it, and so many wonderful actors and actresses made their marks, it’s influence is unrivaled in my judgment. BTW, I was tickled to see the clips of that period’s tail-end film “Poor Cow”, by Ken Loach, grafted into Soderbergh’s wonderful noirish “The Limey” from 1999, with the awesome Terence Stamp, still an angry young man even when old.

]]> by: Jonathan Lapper http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/27/dvd-of-the-week-this-sporting-life-1963/#comment-1324 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 21:12:55 +0000 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/27/dvd-of-the-week-this-sporting-life-1963/#comment-1324 Holy crap! I just came over to check the comments and I see this <b>Kes</b> comment by Will E. Will, I swear I didn't see this before writing it (which I couldn't of because I wrote it last week) but I just put up my post on <b>Kes.</b> Geez, what are the odds? I didn't think anybody else even knew about that movie. It's superb! When I saw it two months ago I was absolutely floored! I hope I expressed that in my piece well enough because I found it just amazing, really. Holy crap! I just came over to check the comments and I see this Kes comment by Will E. Will, I swear I didn’t see this before writing it (which I couldn’t of because I wrote it last week) but I just put up my post on Kes. Geez, what are the odds? I didn’t think anybody else even knew about that movie. It’s superb! When I saw it two months ago I was absolutely floored! I hope I expressed that in my piece well enough because I found it just amazing, really.

]]> by: Anna http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/27/dvd-of-the-week-this-sporting-life-1963/#comment-1323 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:48:13 +0000 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/27/dvd-of-the-week-this-sporting-life-1963/#comment-1323 OK - I'm intrigued. You never steer me wrong - I'll put it in queue. OK - I’m intrigued. You never steer me wrong - I’ll put it in queue.

]]> by: Will E. http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/27/dvd-of-the-week-this-sporting-life-1963/#comment-1320 Mon, 28 Jan 2008 10:05:28 +0000 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/27/dvd-of-the-week-this-sporting-life-1963/#comment-1320 I recently saw <i>Saturday Night, Sunday Morning</i> and was fairly blown away by Albert Finney's James Dean-like intensity and looks. Terrific stuff. <i>This Sporting Life</i> is coming up in my Netflix queue. Have you seen Ken Loach's <i>Kes</i>? It's a few years older, but definitely part of that "kitchen-sink" realism movement in UK film. Very worthwhile. No American DVD, though. But I know that won't stop you! I recently saw Saturday Night, Sunday Morning and was fairly blown away by Albert Finney’s James Dean-like intensity and looks. Terrific stuff. This Sporting Life is coming up in my Netflix queue.

Have you seen Ken Loach’s Kes? It’s a few years older, but definitely part of that “kitchen-sink” realism movement in UK film. Very worthwhile. No American DVD, though. But I know that won’t stop you!

]]> by: Jonathan Lapper http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/27/dvd-of-the-week-this-sporting-life-1963/#comment-1318 Sun, 27 Jan 2008 16:36:03 +0000 http://cinebeats.blogsome.com/2008/01/27/dvd-of-the-week-this-sporting-life-1963/#comment-1318 Great film by a great director. I mentioned both <b>if</b> and <b>O Lucky Man</b> in my Oscar posts for those years and I still say far too many so-called cinephiles are blissfully ignorant of his work. And <b>Brittainia Hospital</b> completes his great Malcolm McDowall trilogy. Great film by a great director. I mentioned both if and O Lucky Man in my Oscar posts for those years and I still say far too many so-called cinephiles are blissfully ignorant of his work. And Brittainia Hospital completes his great Malcolm McDowall trilogy.

]]>