FilmJerk Favorites

A group of unique directors and the essential works that you've got to see.

||| John Ford |||
John Ford

One of the art form's grand masters of all time, Ford is responsible for influencing the seminal directors of generation after generation. Strongly associated with the impressive body of work created over a lifetime with collaborator John Wayne, it is nearly impossible to choose just three… but here it goes.

This powerful winner of the Best Picture Academy Award is set in Wales at the turn of the 19th century, and tells the story of a family of miners, whose lives are filled with danger and repression. The film is beautifully crafted, lovingly depicting the gut wrenching sacrifices and light-hearted moments that are elemental to family life, making this film a true representation of the craft that is unmistakably John Ford.

This film is told in flashback as James Stewart, after a long absence, returns home for the funeral of a friend who saved his life from a sadistic outlaw. This classic covers every essential element required to qualify as a western epic from unlikely friends to the girl who comes between them, to the enemy they both despise, but handle with extremely different approaches, to Fords signature cast of supporting characters, all combine to make this a staple for every fan of this uniquely American genre.

This romantic comedy seen through the eyes of John Ford has John Wayne ( an American-raised boxer) go to Ireland to the village of his birth, fall for feisty Maureen O'Hara, and fight with town ruffian Victor McLaglen in one of the all time classic screen brawls. This is an exceptionally fine romantic movie that with Ford’s capable bravado manages to be a film that any man’s man can openly enjoy.

Recommended by CarrieSpecht

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Abuelo

By CarrieSpecht

August 15th, 2010

Exceptionally well executed, this product of the AFI Directing Workshop for Women demonstrates the relevancy of the short film as a format and why it is so important to encourage the development of women filmmakers.

Abuelo

In the first few minutes of this tenderhearted film by director, Mary Ann Kellogg, I was struck by the overall exceptional quality. The look and feel of “Abuelo” resonates with that of a well-budgeted feature (accolades to cinematographer Larry Reibman) and the cast is strong without a hint of amateurism. This is a particularly important aspect when dealing with storylines that must be developed quickly. All too often, actors are tempted to overcompensate for the lack of time to develop a character with heavy handed emoting. And directors are tempted to let them. Not so here. Kellogg allows what could be a complicated plot to unfold neatly before our eyes.

I don’t want to give too much away, but the title says a lot for anyone who speaks Spanish. “Abuelo” is a new word for a young girl who has to get used to a new relationship in her life. We see during the course of one day how a preteen responds to the sudden presence of a grandfather she has never known and with whom she does not even speak the same language. By the end of the day the girl has developed an appreciation for this exotic old man, and through a silent but powerful gesture she demonstrates an acceptance beyond the need for words. A gesture that helps fill the loss they both are experiencing. It just may be one of the best endings I have ever seen in a short film.

Kellogg’s strong eye for composition and use of camera is demonstrated through the wide variety of shots and subtle use of camera movement. I particularly liked the creative use of single shots to reflect the point of view of the granddaughter. After the first few scenes, she doesn’t talk and there remains a silence between the two main characters. Although the grandfather chatters on at times, there are no subtitles, leaving the audience, like the granddaughter, to rely upon his actions to reveal what is going on.

My only complaint is with the end titles. I know it’s a budget constraint, but I wish someone would spend a little more money and make the credits for short films readable. I actually read those things and would very much like to know the names of all the people who put in their blood, sweat, and tears into such a fine product. Perhaps one day the Academy of Motion Picture Arts will (as they do in other countries) help establish a fund to support the development of short films instead of pursuing the elimination of the category from Oscar competition. Maybe then the short will reclaim the prestige of its glory days, credit won’t be limited to those who can afford it, and a short film such as “Abuelo” won’t be such a rare commodity. In the meantime, here’s hoping that “Abuelo” gets all the recognition it deserves.

Carrie Specht Contributing Writer, FilmJerk.com Creator, ClassicFilmSchool.com

My rating: A