BS: Powell and Pressburger

Subject: BS: Powell and Pressburger
From: izzy
Date: 08 Aug 03 - 07:57 PM

Are there any other fans of this duo's fascinatingly offbeat films? They're not particularly well-known in North America (tho there are a few die-hard fanatics out there), but do any European/British 'catters enjoy their work? I can't decide which of their films is my favourite, but A Matter of Life and Death, The Red Shoes and A Canterbury Tale are all up there. The only major one by them I haven't seen is I Know Where I'm Going (yes, it's also a folk song title!)

While we're on the subject of film, are there any other amateur film buffs who also happen to be rabid folk fans?? Anyone?

I just noticed that there doesn't seem to be a great deal on Mudcat about film, and I thought I'd post this.

Cheers,

Isabel

Subject: RE: BS: Powell and Pressburger
From: michaelr
Date: 08 Aug 03 - 08:09 PM

Well, I'm a big fan of non-Hollywood (or Bollywood, for that matter) film, but I confess I haven't heard of these two. Can you by chance provide a link to a site that has more info on them?

Here in USA we have the Independent Film Channel and The Sundance Channel, both of which show loads of great stuff.

Cheers,
Michael

Subject: RE: BS: Powell and Pressburger
From: Alba
Date: 08 Aug 03 - 08:29 PM

I truly love the Films of Powell and Pressburger. A matter of Life and Death is fabulous. A stairway Ill never forget and that Piano piece from the film...I haven't seen "I know where Im going" so will look for it now.
I really enjoyed Black Narcissus, it was fightening but wonderful.
Michael Powell also made a great Film called The Edge of the World, set in the Shetland Isles
Thanks for reminding me of them Isabel.
This might give you an idea about their work Michael:clicky
I found this on Google.
JD

Subject: RE: BS: Powell and Pressburger
From: izzy
Date: 08 Aug 03 - 08:35 PM

Black Narcissus gave me the shivers --particularly the scene with Sister Ruth on the cliff --oooh!!!

I'm trying to get hold of The Edge of the World, too. I believe it was Michael Powell's first breakthrough into mainstream film and away from "B" pictures.

One of the great things about them is that they nurtured a lot of unusual actors who otherwise didn't seem to get terribly good (or frequent) film work. Roger Livesey and Marius Goring, for example. And Deborah Kerr's best films were with them. Oh, I forgot to mention The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp. Have you seen that one, JD? I think it's just fabulous. Quite a triumph for a wartime film, with a sympathetic German character (the wonderful Anton Walbrook.)

Cheers,

Isabel

Subject: RE: BS: Powell and Pressburger
From: Alba
Date: 08 Aug 03 - 10:39 PM

I agree Isabel. The life and Death of Colonel Blimp. As you say say the Film was quite brilliant.
Winston Churchill was said to be outraged by the Films sympathetic line with the German Character!
Ah yes! the wonderful Anton Walbrook!. I adore him in a French Film called La Ronde which also had the stunning Simone Signoret.
It was the first Film to gain an X rate in the UK.
Probably wouldn't even push an "A" compared to Todays standards.
This of course is going by the old Censor Board ratings, I can't figure the new system out nowdays!:>)

JD