Hustler of Culture
Legends of the Fall (1994): "Any movie with horses and a grand historical sweep this reviewer will invariably think is a metaphor for the American character."
Notes: I've been intrigued by director Ed Zwick's career since hearing an interview with him on KCRW's "The Treatment." May now work my way through his filmography, beginning with Defiance.
A Serious Man (2009): "The most baffling thing about an already baffling universe is how to find happiness within it."
Notes: To my knowledge, the first Coen Brothers movie to contain overtly Jewish themes. Although it may very well be lapped by Michael Chabon's novel "Yiddish Policemen's Union" which the Coens have signed on to adapt.
Tape (2001): "There is a great film festival awaiting us containing only movies that take place in a single room."
Thief of Bagdad (1940): "The lousy movie that inspired the better Aladdin."
Notes: Painful film #274 in my AFI 400 completion quest. 126 to go.
Like passing a kidney stone.
Now, Voyager (1942): "A great performance can seem all alone in a not so great movie or it can elevate it to its own level."
Notes: Film #273 in my AFI 400 completion quest. 127 to go.