John Huston's The Dead
John Huston's The Dead
#1John Huston's The Dead
Posted: 11/8/09 at 12:49am
Anyone seen this gem of a film? Such a simple and beautiful story that is Chekhovian in its subtext.
At a little over an hour it feels more fully realized than most movies twice its length.
Thoughts?
#2re: John Huson's The Dead
Posted: 11/8/09 at 12:54amWow how odd you mentioned this. I just watched it again today. Not only one of my favorite books, it's one of my favorite films and musicals.
#2re: John Huson's The Dead
Posted: 11/8/09 at 1:00am
I haven't seen the play, but I was completely captivated by the movie. It was made with such care and attention to detail. I felt like I was attending the dinner.
And the cast was exceptional. The two elderly sisters were just outstanding.
#3re: John Huson's The Dead
Posted: 11/8/09 at 1:05amThe film is a real masterpiece. I remember seeing it when it first came out in '87 and only being 9 I didn't completely get it but i loved it nonetheless. (I was a strange little boy)
#4re: John Huson's The Dead
Posted: 11/8/09 at 1:07am
I was too young to see it, but I'm sure I had no desire to anyway.
I'm glad that I came it to now however. It's themes are so profound and yet intimate. And all this praise from me when I havne't even read the story. I think I'm going to get The Dubliners now though.
NCGuy
Broadway Star Joined: 4/8/04
#5re: John Huson's The Dead
Posted: 11/8/09 at 1:09am
Tazber, did you watch the new DVD? Apparently Lionsgate released an edited version of the movie (ten minutes are missing). They’re re-releasing it later in the month (and exchanging discs for people who bought the shortened version).
I’ve not seen it since it was first released on video, but I’m looking forward to watching it again.
#6re: John Huson's The Dead
Posted: 11/8/09 at 1:14am
Oh wow, thanks for the info NCGuy. My version is only 73 minutes!
I'm going to have to get an exchange now.
NCGuy
Broadway Star Joined: 4/8/04
#7re: John Huson's The Dead
Posted: 11/8/09 at 1:26am
DVD Verdict's review has replacement information:
DVD Verdict: The Dead
#8re: John Huson's The Dead
Posted: 11/8/09 at 1:27amThank you so much!
#9re: John Huson's The Dead
Posted: 11/8/09 at 4:08pm
I HATE Huston but I think this is one of his best films, certainly on the level of PRIZZI'S HONOR and MOBY DICK (the only films of his I even remotely enjoy). Actually, I may like it the best of them all... and yes, the DVD is edited but the version shown on Cinemax is the full version AND the HD remaster. It's in 1:78 and the movie might be originally in 2:35:1 but, hey, at least you get the extra ten minutes (though you sacrifice 25% of the image if it is originally 2:35:1). Love the Joyce short story and the play/musical ain't half bad. A good representation and realization of the novel, if nothing else.
P
#10re: John Huson's The Dead
Posted: 11/8/09 at 4:47pmI'm so glad to hear it's finally on DVD! I have an old VHS copy that I was starting to worry about. This is one of my favorite films.
#11re: John Huson's The Dead
Posted: 11/8/09 at 8:22pmIt's a beautiful film--Huston was extremely respectful of Joyce's text (hardly a comma was changed). In my opinion, it's Anjelica Huston's best performance. I'm so glad that it's finally on DVD in the States.
Borstalboy
Broadway Legend Joined: 2/9/04
#12re: John Huson's The Dead
Posted: 11/9/09 at 12:12pm
How could somebody hate John Huston?
Ah, well. An unbelievable capper to one hell of a career. Nothing short of exquisite.
Roscoe
Broadway Legend Joined: 5/15/03
#13re: John Huson's The Dead
Posted: 11/9/09 at 12:23pm
Not sure how Huston can be particularly hated, either. Rather hit or miss, but when he's good he's terrific.
That said, THE DEAD isn't a particular favorite of mine. As good as it is, as well made and acted etc., the real magic of the story just doesn't transfer to the screen for me.
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