Author: Fang Hanjun
Movies are really magical. Good movies are like the magic of time, always touching our eager hearts in a quiet dark night. Even after eighty years of such a movie, even if they are no longer alive, their voices and appearances are still vivid. I think there is nothing better than this. For lonely people, they are the stars that cut through the night sky and still bring bright joy to your dark night from time to time.
The film of director Preston Sturges (1898—1959) has such a unique charm. His films, in Hollywood in the 1930s and 1940s, were extraordinary. Apart from the suspense, the jokes were constant, but the joy was not vulgar. The mirror language was extremely clear, translucent and cool. There was a kind of natural, eye-catching and restrained. humorous. In other words, his movies are not deliberately made for the sake of jokes, but are displayed just right, and will not make people feel blunt and dry. On the contrary, as the plot advances, the audience feels that this is the way it is.
To put it bluntly, the director knows what the audience likes to watch and what they hate. It is very rare for the director to choose between sticking to his own style. Therefore, we have seen a comedy style that is completely different from the films of Chaplin, Buster Keaton and Harold Lloyd, or Preston-style comedy. This kind of pure comedy style can be described as very American. It does not win with a blindly funny style. It is also very different from the uniqueness shown in another comedy master Liu Bieqian's film, namely "Liu Bieqian's brushwork". Preston's "Sullivan's Journey", "20th Century Express" and "Spring Wind and Rain" are all well-known masterpieces. His "Eve Lady" (1941) focused on a huge cruise ship in voyage. The accidental collision of a man and a woman would cause sparks or sparks to hit the earth. Every time I read it, the aftertaste is sweet, I always think I will watch it again. The ingenious design and balance of the plot lies in the exquisiteness and meticulousness of the details.
The heroine Jean in the film is my favorite actress Barbara Stanwick (1907–1990). Without her, I don’t think I would watch it again and again. Her uniqueness is irreplaceable and cannot be copied. Her agility and beauty are simply incredible. Indeed, she is the most famous character actor in Hollywood history. Even, the retaliatory role she played is a bit frightening, but more, her interpretation of multiple roles is easy, wonderful, and reveals a strong original flavor, as if she is always acting herself, and always It's eye-catching. She is the fireball on the screen, rolling with flaming red lips, blazing the whole world of interlaced light and shadow, and will not go out for a long time. Therefore, she is called "the best actress who has never won an Oscar."
The best actor has always been tempered by hardships. This richness of life gives her a deeper appreciation for the multi-faceted character of the role, which is beyond the reach of children who grow up in a honeypot. Thinking of her unfortunate childhood makes me sad. Her mother died unexpectedly when she was three years old and was cruelly abandoned by her alcoholic father. Since then, she has been living in foster care. At the age of 15, she was fortunate enough to join the Siegfried Sing and Dance Ensemble as a dancing girl. In 1927, the silent film "Broadway Night" finally premiered. Being on the screen opened a new page in her life, and also allowed her screen image to travel through the tunnel of time and space, enjoying the eternal nourishment of mankind. In the film, the male protagonist Charlie, starring Henry Fonda (1905-1982), is as gentle as Fonda. His passion is always easy to be confused, and love seems to be frozen, but it is always turbulent. Gene and Charlie are like natural lovers who love each other. Where to meet and where to gather is the only ultimate wish they would like to see. The actor of Charlie’s father, who likes to watch old Hollywood movies, will love Eugene Perritt, who always loves to play supporting roles. He has a serious face and a chubby look. He is not angry or pretentious, and is simply cold. Humorous template, just want to laugh when you look at it. Charles Cobain, the so-called Colonel Hannington played by Charlie's father, grew up in the United States, but was a typical British fan. The interaction between the father and daughter in the film can be described as wonderful. After all these years of life, they encountered new problems.
The opening animation scherzo, accompanied by a stubborn snake, Charlie left the Amazon River as an expert in snake research, and boarded the "Queen" cruise back to New York. People voted for this well-mannered young man. The envious look is not only his gentleman demeanor, but more probably he comes from the wealthy Parker family. Among them, on the ship's side, the so-called Colonel Hannington, his daughter Gene, and his accomplice Gerollard, watched Charlie get on the ship playfully. The next show was even more scary. In the huge restaurant on the ship, almost all the young women cast their eyes on Charlie. Of course, Gene was not idle, she commented on the mood and taste of these women at this moment. Charlie was embarrassed to leave, walked to Genn, was tripped by her, he opened his eyes when he fell, and was electrocuted by the bright and proud woman in front of him, and obeyed her submissively. Command, follow to her cabin to help her change shoes. There is gold under the man's knees. Charlie, who was kneeling, changed her shoes earnestly, he didn't dare to look into her big eyes. He was flustered, her perfume almost stunned him. Then, the two of them hugged each other in a decent way. She held his head and kept stroking his hair, he was just like a big boy in a daze. She may just like his shyness, but when she lets him go, she needs to settle and consider. Of course Charlie understood.
Colonel Hannington paid close attention to his daughter's progress. She said that she hoped he would give me a surprise. The old man said that poor fool. But when she saw the snake that Charlie brought back, she jumped up and down in fright and ran away. Fortunately, the boat is boring, and they can still play cards together. Charlie was able to play a few poker tricks, and he also won the six hundred oceans of Hannington. Charlie's faithful servant Maxi advised him that they had colluded to lose to you deliberately so that they could catch a big fish. Charlie smiled and said that you are not sick, and you doubt them. Yes, his soul has long been hooked by the bright and moving Jean. He couldn't wait to see her when he got up early in the morning. Of course she will come. In this card game, Gene saw that Charlie had lost, so she didn't want him to play again. She knew his father's old tricks well. She said I will wait for you at the bow of the ship. But he hesitated for a while, played a quick bet with the colonel, and immediately lost 32 thousand. The anxious Gene came back and asked her why she didn't listen to her. The embarrassed old father tore the check filled out by Charlie. Charlie felt the colonel's sincerity and her love. The two cuddled in the wind on the bow. She said the air was really good, and she felt relaxed and happy. Charlie said excitedly what I realized here, as if you have found a way home, you are getting smaller, you are like a pony, I am like a calf, and I really love you. Cheek to cheek, she was melted, I love you too. But Charlie's servants were not vegetarians. He determined that they were old men, so he approached the police on the ship to remove the reputation of the Parker family and urge them to produce relevant information. Sure enough, they are the old one.
Maxi took the information and threw it into Charlie's hand. You are dumbfounded now. Charlie took out the information, and the three of them proved to be indeed the veterans who wandered on the cruise ship, and they were notorious. He trembled. how is this possible. How impossible. He is struggling with ideas. Gene rushed over excitedly. It seems that you are not in high spirits today. He gave her the information. At first glance, she was sad to say that I had thought about what New York told you, maybe I want you to love me a little bit. But his stiff face showed that he would not forgive her. She said angrily that if you thought I could hurt me by being vulgar, then you did it now. She left in anger. New York is here. The huge cruise ship is no longer smashing the waves, but it is their hearts that are not quiet. Charlie unhappily followed behind the pedestrians, preparing to disembark. The three of Hannington watched in front. Gene gritted his teeth and said, my blood boiled at the thought of not slaughtering that guy. The old man said that you are to blame for confusing the relationship between love and work. I won't believe him anymore. The old father proudly took out the crumpled cheque from his pocket. Didn't you tear it off. Gerollard smiled and said that just pick it up and iron it with an iron a few times. She said cheerfully, then I feel much better now.
Racetrack in New York. The three met an old man who called himself Sir Alfred and said that they lived in Bridgefield and were all rich people. Genn's eyes lit up, do you know the Parker family? Of course, they are the rich and the big bosses of the wine industry. Could you let me dress up your niece, who just came back from England. Her father is anxious. What are you doing? She said lightly, we are not over yet, I need him, just like an axe meets a turkey. Her eyes are so firm. OK. It seems that this so-called jazz was also a famous old man back then. do as promised. One night, Gene took the old knight in his arm to attend a banquet at Pike's house. As soon as I got out of the car, Charlie's manservant stared closely at him. It was definitely her. I knew her no matter what she dressed up, but he stepped into the gutter when he got excited outside the window. Eve Beauty and Charlie's father Harry are born to play together. She is the daughter-in-law standard that the old man likes, and they really talked very happily. Yes, no one dislikes her. Her beauty, her laughter, and her humor light up the whole house, and all the guests gather around her. Charlie was stunned to see her. The valet told him that it was the woman on the ship. But she said that I have never been to the South, let alone take the "Queen" cruise ship.
Charlie, after all, was not Emperor Charlie, he was messed up all at once. He even fell three somersaults and was drenched in vegetable soup during the meal, which was terrible. But this is love, his calm and turbulent love. It seemed that she was the only one who was happy, only Charlie's father Harry. Finally, their marriage was decided like this. Who made him love her so much? It's too late for him to cheer. Held a grand wedding, the two took the train together on their honeymoon journey. The originally happy journey was completely stigmatized by her. She made up a long list of men’s names and told that she had eloped with boys since the age of 16, and then Tongheman, the John twins, etc., he almost fainted. . He also said just now that we need to have a great tolerant heart, but his heart is swollen at this time, and he can't stand her endless love history.
Before she could finish speaking, as soon as the car stopped, he stumbled out of the car in the heavy rain with his suitcase, and fell into a muddy pit in embarrassment. Indeed, she deliberately dug a hole for him. Alone, she felt that this kind of revenge was too much. She regretted it. Colonel Hannington said to slaughter them hard, you have a royal flush. She said no, I want to make it clear to Charlie. The Harry's family is in a mess, and the number of divorce litigation claims will be astronomical. Gene couldn't help it, and took the initiative to call, Harry, ask Charlie to listen to the phone, I don't need money, I just hope he can come to New York to meet up. The neighbors said in unison that it was a conspiracy to go to New York. Charlie solemnly waved his hand and said, no, if you want me to listen to her call, just wait for the next life, unless the iron tree blooms. Harry said embarrassingly that he would not listen. Harry still liked her, not believing that she was a liar. Jean, who was fidgeting, called again. Harry said that Charlie had left and was going to Amazon. This kid still had to go back to study his snake. Snake, now Charlie treats her as a poisonous snake. She immediately put down the phone and left. At this time, Jean is the real lady. It is still the "Queen" cruise ship. Charlie walked to the restaurant alone. Passing by the dining table, I was still tripped by someone, and I couldn't bear to look back. How could it be you again? No, are you sure there is no turning back in time. He couldn't control it anymore, and the two of them hugged each other tightly as they looked at each other. People applaud for their happiness. He dragged her and ran to his cabin. She stroked his hair excitedly, like the first time, you are the only person I love in my life. He also said that I will always love you, but I am married. She smiled and said me too. The male servant sneaked out of the cabin, squinted and said that I was sure that it was definitely the same woman.
How the love of a true lady is cultivated, but when you are in love, you must try to test the patience of the other person. Fortunately, these toss are necessary for true love. If you ask if there are any pure movies in this world, then I think that "Lady Eve" is that she has enhanced the valuable quality of comedy movies and unlimited imagination, and will not make people feel vulgar and boring.
The pure film I understand naturally integrates all the "parts" and essence of the film itself. It is more like a film for the sake of film. There are not too many factors outside the film, or even the function of education. This is destined to have Different from commercial movies, it is also different from author movies, author movies or poetry movies in literary and artistic movies. To put it bluntly, pure movies are movies that are more like movies. In the 1930s and 1940s, Hollywood had many pure films that reflected the film itself. In the past few decades, there were fewer and fewer pure films. Of course, it was because there were too many commercial elements in films or the popularity of independent films. It is getting farther and farther. Commercial movies have to play a lot of gimmicks to attract audiences. There are simple patterns on the assembly line and the same medium, which can't stand the temptation plot of scrutiny. It doesn't take a lot of brains. It is like an infectious disease, and it is easy to win the audience's love.
Independent film is more of the author’s personalized expression and closer to the creation of literature and art. This is farther and farther away from the elements of the film itself. It only uses the lens to capture the author’s inner real world and potential secrets, which undoubtedly improves The denotation and connotation of the movie are lost, but it is not a pure movie by nature. Pure film is only designed for the film itself. It not only considers the audience’s feelings, but also needs to start from the film itself, and be accurate to every minute and second of the film. Just like a film like "Lady Eve", she is as pure as one side. The mirror has seen our comfort, but also the way we are stress-free and never sticky.
2019､6､20
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