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Rock · 13 January 2013, 04:15 PM

What is it with Critics and old movies.
I wasted about 45 minutes of my eyesight this afternoon on an old bomb called "North by Northwest" which receives 100% on Rotten Tomatoes with rave reviews from the critics.
I'm a bit of a movie buff but I couldn't relate any of the critic's comments to the movie I saw. Acting (particularly by Cary Grant) was just awful (even by 50s standards) and the plot just silly.
I thought the thing totally lacked any pretense of asking to be taken seriously and what might have passed for humour was just corney.
This may have been regarded as sophisticated entertainment in 1960 but today it is laughable.
I must be missing something here as I enjoy some old movies - Bogart & Bacall, Bette Davis, Robert Mitchum, most with Paul Newman or Steve McQueen.

Dr. Robert · 13 January 2013, 06:45 PM

You gotta like Hitchcock....... N by NW is one of my favorite films, & one of my favorite Hitchcock films.

andyboy39 · 13 January 2013, 06:49 PM

Alfred Hitchcock, love his flicks...

threemonkeys · 13 January 2013, 07:02 PM

I love that movie.

Demosthene · 13 January 2013, 07:21 PM

Hitchcocks still immensely watchable today, and North by Northwest is one of his best films.
It laid the groundwork for countless action thrillers that followed.

Monte Cristo · 13 January 2013, 07:28 PM

May not be the best Hitchcock or Cary Grant movie I've ever seen, but I really enjoyed it. Mind you it has been 15 years since I last saw it....

Darlinboy · 13 January 2013, 08:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

You gotta like Hitchcock....... N by NW is one of my favorite films, & one of my favorite Hitchcock films.

x2: I give it 100

!

capote · 13 January 2013, 09:14 PM

Hitchcock is one of the greatest directors, and North by Northwest is a great movie. But we all have different taste. Speaking of that I just read that Micheal Bay is doing another Transformers triology

Vincent65 · 13 January 2013, 09:25 PM

AH was a pioneer and visionary. Seems dated now, same with all 'old' things, but there's a charm to that. I love old movies of all kinds. They are a great window to see back into that given period. I love the styles, the signs of the times then, the culture, accents, acting and directorial styles. Hollywood glamour then was a different thing. Nostalgia is enjoyable for some, and I'm one.

capote · 13 January 2013, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vincent65

AH was a pioneer and visionary. Seems dated now, same with all 'old' things, but there's a charm to that. I love old movies of all kinds. They are a great window to see back into that given period. I love the styles, the signs of the times then, the culture, accents, acting and directorial styles. Hollywood glamour then was a different thing. Nostalgia is enjoyable for some, and I'm one.

While I do agree some movies can become dated, I think age isn't the most important aspect. Guy Richie's Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels or Finchers Fight Club are hopelessly dated but Hitchcock's Rebecca is not.

Kingair · 13 January 2013, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vincent65

AH was a pioneer and visionary. Seems dated now, same with all 'old' things, but there's a charm to that. I love old movies of all kinds. They are a great window to see back into that given period. I love the styles, the signs of the times then, the culture, accents, acting and directorial styles. Hollywood glamour then was a different thing. Nostalgia is enjoyable for some, and I'm one.

x 2

I really love to see them . . . anyway just like B & W pictures . . . it has it's charm . . .

HAGWe

SUBversive · 13 January 2013, 10:24 PM

Sometimes my enjoyment of a movie is directly related to my expectations.

I love old movies also. One big killer for me is the usual overdone sappy music in the old films.

Kingair · 13 January 2013, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SUBversive

. . . One big killer for me is the usual overdone sappy music in the old films.

We'll that part of it . . .

HAGWe

Vincent65 · 13 January 2013, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capote

While I do agree some movies can become dated, I think age isn't the most important aspect. Guy Richie's Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels or Finchers Fight Club are hopelessly dated but Hitchcock's Rebecca is not.

I agree, I didn't state or mean that ALL old movies seem dated. As another example, Casablanca still stands up well today, IMO.

Dan Pierce · 13 January 2013, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Robert

You gotta like Hitchcock....... N by NW is one of my favorite films, & one of my favorite Hitchcock films.

Agreed! A classic.

Cary Grant: "You can't kidnap me, I have two ex wives and 3 bartenders to support."
dP

Armyguy03 · 14 January 2013, 12:01 AM

I watched the Hitchcock movie last night with Anthony Hopkins, GREAT film!!!!!

nick c · 14 January 2013, 02:00 AM

Bruce lee

nowzen · 14 January 2013, 02:03 AM

N by NW... definitely a favorite film of mine.

De gustibus non est disputandum!

Cesium133 · 14 January 2013, 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nowzen

N by NW... definitely a favorite film of mine.

De gustibus non est disputandum!

Me too! It's a classic. But it was made for a different generation so I can understand why people don't like it.

I still remember the first time I saw The Matrix in the 90s and Trinity did that spin kick in the opening scene. I about feel out of my chair because I had never seen anything filmed like that before. If somebody watched it today, though, they wouldn't think it was special in any way. Just a normal fight scene.

AzPaul · 14 January 2013, 02:21 AM

I'd put 'On the Waterfront' (1954) up against anything that's been made in the last ten, twenty years.

Lion · 14 January 2013, 02:25 AM

I have always enjoyed Alfred Hitchcock's movies.....and since we are on the subject it would be fun to watch...The Birds...again!!!
Take it easy.....Leo

Hooper · 14 January 2013, 03:10 AM

All good, but give me an old John Wayne movie anytime!

Rock · 14 January 2013, 10:05 AM

Clearly I am the 'odd man out' here.
So what is the attraction for this movie - is it like the early Bond films - a bit of tongue-in-cheek escapism where the charm and charisma of the characters (and general atmospherics of the era/setting) is more important than the script/plot?
I think it is the '50s style of acting that puts me off as by the '60s there seems to have been a transition to a less 'hammy' style of delivery.
Maybe just not a Hitchcock fan.

Lisa · 14 January 2013, 10:17 AM

I love old movies but do get tickled that virtually all of the actors speak with a British accent, particularly in movies from the '30s through '50s. I guess it was a Hollywood thing.

As for "bad" old movies - even the worst ones have something worthy to appreciate - the sets, the clothing styles, the cars. Always an intriguing reflection of the culture at that time.

Oh, and you're right about the over-acting!

jatco · 14 January 2013, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AzPaul

I'd put 'On the Waterfront' (1954) up against anything that's been made in the last ten, twenty years.

Now there's a classic..." - I cudda been a contender.., I couldve been Somebody...." - Cant get much better than that.... http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&...M7NOhUN4Khj6Bg.
.
- Tho.. there other 'memorable quotes' from great films of the past.....!
Love 'em....!!

Dr. Robert · 14 January 2013, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

Agreed! A classic.

Cary Grant: "You can't kidnap me, I have two ex wives and 3 bartenders to support."
dP

Dan.....I use that line all the time ( in my case same # of ex-wives

...but many more bartenders

)

Dr. Robert · 14 January 2013, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rock

Clearly I am the 'odd man out' here.
So what is the attraction for this movie - is it like the early Bond films - a bit of tongue-in-cheek escapism where the charm and charisma of the characters (and general atmospherics of the era/setting) is more important than the script/plot?
I think it is the '50s style of acting that puts me off as by the '60s there seems to have been a transition to a less 'hammy' style of delivery.
Maybe just not a Hitchcock fan.

You gotta dig Hitchcock....his stuff was all "over the top"....that's what made his stuff great.

Dr. Robert · 14 January 2013, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by capote

While I do agree some movies can become dated, I think age isn't the most important aspect. Guy Richie's Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels or Finchers Fight Club are hopelessly dated but Hitchcock's Rebecca is not.

I dig Lock, stock etc., it's a Guy Ritchie classic

A.Sharp · 14 January 2013, 01:44 PM

I LOVE the movie rebecca. That is one of my favorite hitchcock films ever. I also love other classic movies like casablanca etc. etc.

BUT

I never really dug citzen kane, even tho it is rated the best movie of all time. I think it was certainly ahead of it's time, but i felt it to be a little draining.

GradyPhilpott · 14 January 2013, 02:04 PM

I'm watching it now. Thornhill is in the lady's drawing room discussing their plans for Chicago.

I find it fascinating on many levels, not the least of which is the nostalgia.

13 January 2013, 04:15 PM	#1
Rock 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Rocky Location: Australia Watch: Grail:Bluesy Posts: 17,850	Old Movies What is it with Critics and old movies. I wasted about 45 minutes of my eyesight this afternoon on an old bomb called "North by Northwest" which receives 100% on Rotten Tomatoes with rave reviews from the critics. I'm a bit of a movie buff but I couldn't relate any of the critic's comments to the movie I saw. Acting (particularly by Cary Grant) was just awful (even by 50s standards) and the plot just silly. I thought the thing totally lacked any pretense of asking to be taken seriously and what might have passed for humour was just corney. This may have been regarded as sophisticated entertainment in 1960 but today it is laughable. I must be missing something here as I enjoy some old movies - Bogart & Bacall, Bette Davis, Robert Mitchum, most with Paul Newman or Steve McQueen. __________________ Cellini 4112. Sub 14060M. DJ 16233. Rotherhams 1847 Pocket-watch. Foundation Member of 'Horologists Anonymous' "Hi, I'm Rocky, and I'm a Horologist..."

13 January 2013, 06:45 PM	#2
Dr. Robert 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Bob Location: U.S.A. Watch: 1655 Posts: 64,288	You gotta like Hitchcock....... N by NW is one of my favorite films, & one of my favorite Hitchcock films. __________________ Founder & Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

13 January 2013, 07:28 PM	#6
Monte Cristo "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Sydney Watch: ing you... Posts: 3,775	May not be the best Hitchcock or Cary Grant movie I've ever seen, but I really enjoyed it. Mind you it has been 15 years since I last saw it.... __________________ 'I am easily satisfied with the very best' - Winston Churchill

14 January 2013, 12:01 AM	#16
Armyguy03 "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: DM[V] Watch: 16710 \| 16600 Posts: 3,546	I watched the Hitchcock movie last night with Anthony Hopkins, GREAT film!!!!! __________________ Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

14 January 2013, 02:03 AM	#18
nowzen "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 741	N by NW... definitely a favorite film of mine. De gustibus non est disputandum! __________________ *Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons*

13 January 2013, 06:49 PM	#3
andyboy39 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: New Zealand Watch: Day Date Posts: 1,409	Alfred Hitchcock, love his flicks...

13 January 2013, 07:02 PM	#4
threemonkeys "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Real Name: Craig Location: Seattle-ish, USA Watch: GMTIIc, AK, LVc Posts: 7,022	I love that movie.

13 January 2013, 07:21 PM	#5
Demosthene "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Perth Australia Posts: 1,326	Hitchcocks still immensely watchable today, and North by Northwest is one of his best films. It laid the groundwork for countless action thrillers that followed.

13 January 2013, 09:14 PM	#8
capote "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Real Name: Daniel Location: Sweden Watch: 16570 Posts: 7,315	Hitchcock is one of the greatest directors, and North by Northwest is a great movie. But we all have different taste. Speaking of that I just read that Micheal Bay is doing another Transformers triology

13 January 2013, 09:25 PM	#9
Vincent65 "TRF" Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Switzerland Posts: 14,298	AH was a pioneer and visionary. Seems dated now, same with all 'old' things, but there's a charm to that. I love old movies of all kinds. They are a great window to see back into that given period. I love the styles, the signs of the times then, the culture, accents, acting and directorial styles. Hollywood glamour then was a different thing. Nostalgia is enjoyable for some, and I'm one.

13 January 2013, 10:24 PM	#12
SUBversive Banned Join Date: May 2011 Location: ri Watch: Sun Dial Posts: 14,346	Sometimes my enjoyment of a movie is directly related to my expectations. I love old movies also. One big killer for me is the usual overdone sappy music in the old films.

14 January 2013, 02:21 AM	#20
AzPaul 2024 ROLEX SUBMARINER 41 Pledge Member Join Date: May 2012 Real Name: Paul Location: Tucson, Az Watch: Rolex 1501 Posts: 13,896	I'd put 'On the Waterfront' (1954) up against anything that's been made in the last ten, twenty years. __________________ Ain't much of a crime, whacking a surly bartender

14 January 2013, 02:25 AM	#21
Lion "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Leo Location: Midwest Watch: GMT-II 16710 PEPSI Posts: 21,461	I have always enjoyed Alfred Hitchcock's movies.....and since we are on the subject it would be fun to watch...The Birds...again!!! Take it easy.....Leo __________________ SS GMT-II 16710 PEPSI(Z-serial#) THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEN AND BOYS IS THE PRICE OF THE TOYS!!! MontBlanc Meisterstuck Doue Silver Barley MontBlanc Meisterstuck Solitaire Doue Signum Proud Card Carrying Member of the Curmudgeons.....Yikes!!!

14 January 2013, 03:10 AM	#22
Hooper "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Real Name: Tony Location: Ontario, Canada Watch: 16610 Posts: 3,290	All good, but give me an old John Wayne movie anytime!

14 January 2013, 10:05 AM	#23
Rock 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Real Name: Rocky Location: Australia Watch: Grail:Bluesy Posts: 17,850	Clearly I am the 'odd man out' here. So what is the attraction for this movie - is it like the early Bond films - a bit of tongue-in-cheek escapism where the charm and charisma of the characters (and general atmospherics of the era/setting) is more important than the script/plot? I think it is the '50s style of acting that puts me off as by the '60s there seems to have been a transition to a less 'hammy' style of delivery. Maybe just not a Hitchcock fan. __________________ Cellini 4112. Sub 14060M. DJ 16233. Rotherhams 1847 Pocket-watch. Foundation Member of 'Horologists Anonymous' "Hi, I'm Rocky, and I'm a Horologist..."

14 January 2013, 10:17 AM	#24
Lisa "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: oklahoma city Posts: 15,741	I love old movies but do get tickled that virtually all of the actors speak with a British accent, particularly in movies from the '30s through '50s. I guess it was a Hollywood thing. As for "bad" old movies - even the worst ones have something worthy to appreciate - the sets, the clothing styles, the cars. Always an intriguing reflection of the culture at that time. Oh, and you're right about the over-acting!

14 January 2013, 01:44 PM	#29
A.Sharp "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: New York City Posts: 2,062	I LOVE the movie rebecca. That is one of my favorite hitchcock films ever. I also love other classic movies like casablanca etc. etc. BUT I never really dug citzen kane, even tho it is rated the best movie of all time. I think it was certainly ahead of it's time, but i felt it to be a little draining. __________________ A.Sharp "I can't listen to that much Wagner, ya know? I start to get the urge to conquer Poland."

14 January 2013, 02:04 PM	#30
GradyPhilpott 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: New Mexico Watch: Seiko #SRK047 Posts: 34,460	I'm watching it now. Thornhill is in the lady's drawing room discussing their plans for Chicago. I find it fascinating on many levels, not the least of which is the nostalgia. __________________ JJ Inaugural TRF $50 Watch Challenge Winner

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