Frankenstein (1931)

Yeah, the absolute classic James Whale version. Loved this when I first saw it on British TV. Second time around, maybe not so great as the nicking of German expressionism is more evident as I've watched quite a few Weimar films. Limp-wristed Hollywood ending as well. Wasn't it in the book that the monster killed the mad doctor's fiancee which then precipitated a chase by said mad doctor after his creation till the ends of the earth? I suppose it's remarkable for being the very first monster movie. I'm pissed the hunchback assistant's name is Fritz not Igor. Boris Karloff is wonderful, though. Actually saw the actual costume in a British film museum and always wondered how he walked about in THOSE boots. A bit overshadowed by its wackier sequel also, Bride of Frankenstein.

Touch of Evil

Bit intrigued by Orson Welles after watching Citizen Kane. This one, however, moves along at a breakneck speed, in that if it had colour and better stunts, would be mistaken for a 90s movie. I've got the "Director's Cut", edited to Welles' written specifications. Charlton Heston puts in a superb performance as the exasperated Mexican cop caught in a struggle with Welles' corrupt cop, in an inconsequential and lazy role probably just showing Welles in his grumpiest mood. I liked this, if only for its modernism - the plot moves so fast there's hardly time to catch a breath.

My Blueberry Nights

Wong Kar Wai's Hollywood debut. Discarding all the heavy themes of urbane social alienation and the lingering boredom of "mood" scenes, this one just cuts into the jugular of themes of love. Doesn't really work that well, as the usual motifs of Wong's work are merely reprised here for not much effect besides prettifying the picture. And the result are hardly as good as with Christopher Doyle's cinematography, who is not in employ here. Wong's average grasp of the English language also offers no profound vignettes, evident in his Hongkie works. Norah Jones also tends to over-emote. Well average, I would say.