A Star is Born
Posted: June 19th, 2010, 10:59 pm
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First off I want to quote a Jack Carson line from about 15 minutes into the beginning of the film -- "Mr. Mains' charm escapes me, it always has." I would however change the name to 'Mr. Mason'. I don't find James Mason the least sexy or attractive, and certainly not alluring to a young girl, whether she be Ester Blodgetts' age or Lolita (even less).
Secondly, I find this movie nothing but a showcase for Judy to sing. She barely did any acting except when she was singing with her hand and arm movements, and facial grimaces. Don't get me wrong, I love to listen to her, but near the end of her career she was just trying too hard. Her singing was amazing in this so I'm not knocking it, but she must have had a weight problem during filming. Did anyone else notice how, when she had a little more weight on her, she looks just like Liza?
Other things also confuse me. I didn't see the great Hollywood career rise and fall as promised. The guy drank - Why? Was he just spoiled by his money and fame, or was there something deeper? Why was Ester so eager for someone to love? She left home on her own to pursue a career, and it seems like that Tom was always around for her, so why the need to be in love? I guess I seem hard but having been married to two men with mental problems, I've seen how they handled them. My first who slapped me around all the time, broke ribs and sprained wrists was always lovey and soooooooo sorry and it would never happen again (Ha, ha, ha). Then second hubby was told to quit drinking or he would lose the happy life he and I had carved out - - so . . . . he quite drinking. My first son is a remake of his father, but the second son is just like his stepfather, steadfast, honest, and cautious. Norman Main was just a man who cried for help, but when he got it, he turned his back on it every time. Drowning himself was just the final piece of cowardice. Again he left Vicki holding the bag, and she, poor idiot, took it.
I think with a John Ford type of director, this could have been a much better movie. I could be prejudiced because of Mason, but the only other choice I have is the original squeaky Janet Gaynor, and greasy Frederick March. I saw the 1976 version with Barbra and Kris, but that was long ago and I barely remember it, plus, Kris was just starting to act, and he wasn't really good at it yet, besides the part was supposed to be for Elvis. Altogether, this is a very dark movie. There is very little happiness in it, and altho I know it is an anthology of a Hollywood marriage, I think a little charm and fun should have been included.
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First off I want to quote a Jack Carson line from about 15 minutes into the beginning of the film -- "Mr. Mains' charm escapes me, it always has." I would however change the name to 'Mr. Mason'. I don't find James Mason the least sexy or attractive, and certainly not alluring to a young girl, whether she be Ester Blodgetts' age or Lolita (even less).
Secondly, I find this movie nothing but a showcase for Judy to sing. She barely did any acting except when she was singing with her hand and arm movements, and facial grimaces. Don't get me wrong, I love to listen to her, but near the end of her career she was just trying too hard. Her singing was amazing in this so I'm not knocking it, but she must have had a weight problem during filming. Did anyone else notice how, when she had a little more weight on her, she looks just like Liza?
Other things also confuse me. I didn't see the great Hollywood career rise and fall as promised. The guy drank - Why? Was he just spoiled by his money and fame, or was there something deeper? Why was Ester so eager for someone to love? She left home on her own to pursue a career, and it seems like that Tom was always around for her, so why the need to be in love? I guess I seem hard but having been married to two men with mental problems, I've seen how they handled them. My first who slapped me around all the time, broke ribs and sprained wrists was always lovey and soooooooo sorry and it would never happen again (Ha, ha, ha). Then second hubby was told to quit drinking or he would lose the happy life he and I had carved out - - so . . . . he quite drinking. My first son is a remake of his father, but the second son is just like his stepfather, steadfast, honest, and cautious. Norman Main was just a man who cried for help, but when he got it, he turned his back on it every time. Drowning himself was just the final piece of cowardice. Again he left Vicki holding the bag, and she, poor idiot, took it.
I think with a John Ford type of director, this could have been a much better movie. I could be prejudiced because of Mason, but the only other choice I have is the original squeaky Janet Gaynor, and greasy Frederick March. I saw the 1976 version with Barbra and Kris, but that was long ago and I barely remember it, plus, Kris was just starting to act, and he wasn't really good at it yet, besides the part was supposed to be for Elvis. Altogether, this is a very dark movie. There is very little happiness in it, and altho I know it is an anthology of a Hollywood marriage, I think a little charm and fun should have been included.
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