Category: Movies/Television

The Romance of ‘The Ghost and Mrs. Muir’ (1947).

Published on by Debbie Johansson4 Comments

The Ghost and Mrs. Muir has always been one of my favourite movies. A romance with a ghost— what’s not to love? And with Valentine’s Day upon us, February is the perfect time to watch it.

If you’re unaware of the plot, the story involves Mrs. Lucy Muir, a widow with a young daughter. She decides to move into a seaside cottage, despite being told that it has a ghost. In fact, she rather relishes the idea! She encounters the ghost of a former sea captain, Daniel Gregg, and soon become friends.

One of the things I’ve always liked about this film is the banter between the two main characters, which demonstrates their growing relationship. Daniel Gregg (Rex Harrison) even has a special name for Lucy Muir, which I think is rather sweet. Rex Harrison and Gene Tierney are perfectly suited in the roles, and it would have to be my favourite film of Rex Harrison’s. Seeing George Sanders in the role of Miles Fairly (children’s author ‘Uncle Neddy’) always felt appropriate to me. He played the role of Jack Favell in Rebecca (1940), so he plays a charming rake very well. It’s great to see a young Natalie Wood as Anna, and I enjoy her performance, although her American accent does stand out amongst the English setting.

The music and lighting help adds to the atmosphere and gives it a sense of place. The special effects are deftly done, blending in well, and do not detract from the story. Although sometimes, I can’t help but look at the seagulls outside the bedroom window!

My favourite romantic ghost story, I had to get my own copy.

I really like the sets, especially ‘Gull Cottage’, where the story mainly takes place. It makes me wistful for a seaside cottage of my own. I also like the set of the lavishly appointed home of Miles Fairly and wish there were more scenes shot here (yes, I’m a hopeless romantic and a sticky-beak 😉).

The most heart-breaking scene of the film is where Daniel Gregg (Rex Harrison) leaves, saying goodbye to Lucy as she sleeps. It’s such a touching scene and beautifully done.

The ending, although sad, is to be expected, but it is also a happy ending, of sorts.

If you’re looking for a romantic movie with a difference this Valentine’s Day (or any day, for that matter), I highly recommend this film.

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The Horror of ‘Seven’.

Published on by Debbie Johansson2 Comments

Recently, I was prompted to revisit the film ‘Seven’. I have not watched the film in years, so had therefore forgotten how good it is.

After the opening credits with a nod to Nine Inch Nails, we are quickly introduced to the jaded Lieutenant Somerset (Morgan Freeman) and ambitious Detective Miller (Brad Pitt). The film is set in an unknown city, a place where Miller wanted to transfer to, surprising Somerset and perhaps also, the audience. The city is portrayed as a dark, miserable place full of crime and drug users. Miller and his wife (Gwyneth Paltrow) having recently moved to the city, live in an apartment where trains pass and rattle their living quarters whenever they go by. The local library is seen as the only redeeming feature within the city, a place where Somerset is a frequent visitor.

The film is certainly gruesome as the killer works his way through the seven deadly sins; gluttony and sloth, in particular. It is not just the imagery of the victims themselves, but also what we learn the killer does to them, that adds to the horror and the tension.

I don’t want to give anything away in case anyone has not seen the film, but the killer (Kevin Spacey) is patient and methodical, and as Somerset points out ‘he’s not the devil, he’s just a man.’

In the final scene, where we really get to see the killer, known as John Doe, we are taken out of the city to a remote desert location. It is here, where both detectives and the viewer are transported into the unknown, that culminates into a memorable gut-wrenching scene, making John Doe a notorious on-screen villain.

What I’ve been watching this past month: –

John Wayne Gacy: Killer Clown’s Revenge (Foxtel)

I’ve always been fascinated by serial killers and John Wayne Gacy has always been high on my list. This show is in four parts, covering his childhood all the way to his arrest. It was interesting to hear tape extracts of Gacy’s interviews, as well as hearing from detectives on the case. Although the narrator’s voice and the occasional ‘clown laugh’ irritated me, I found this compelling viewing.

The Dark Crystal – Age of Resistance (Netflix)
I admit to having watched this show before; in fact, this is my third viewing. I enjoy the plot, the characters, and the little snippets of humour. I never tire of the sheer magic of the puppetry and set designs, that there are moments I get so caught up in it, I forget I’m watching puppets. I’m really looking forward to the second season (and hope there will continue to be one).

What have you been watching? Have you been preparing yourself for Halloween? Have you revisited some favourites lately?

The Silent Fear of ‘A Quiet Place’.

Published on by Debbie Johansson2 Comments

‘A Quiet Place’ is one of those films that I had heard about, but it took a while for me to get around to seeing. These days, when it comes to watching horror, I tend to be a bit selective. I am after a good story, not just shock value.

*This comes with a spoiler alert if you haven’t already seen the film.

I’ve watched ‘A Quiet Place’ a couple of times now, and I foolishly have to admit that when I watched it the first time, I missed out on one very vital piece of information. I don’t know how I missed the fact that the daughter, Regan, is deaf and it left me confused for a little while. I couldn’t figure out how these people knew how to speak sign language*. Eventually, it twigged, but if you miss that scene where the viewer sees Regan’s hearing aid for the first time (I picked it up on my second viewing), it can make the story a bit confusing during the early scenes.

The viewer is immediately thrust into a dystopian future, and one is left wondering what had happened. We are given hints through various newspaper clippings and posters of missing people, as well as how long it has been since the first day it all took place. This is the only background the viewer is given, so hopefully in ‘A Quiet Place II’, this question will be answered.

Although a horror film, ‘A Quiet Place’ focuses on family and how they need to work together to survive. The title also suggests that after the tragic death of one of their own, each of them is struggling with their grief and have difficulty in expressing their feelings.

I liked the idea that their survival depends on sound (or lack thereof), and that the family’s survival depends on their daughter, Regan, being deaf. That, I thought, was an interesting approach.

Visually, these alien creatures reminded me of the demogorgons in ‘Stranger Things’. As with ‘Aliens’, they are intelligent and fast-moving. I found them to be more weird-looking than frightening. I think the horror lay in the build-up of tension throughout the film, knowing that even the slightest noise attracts them. This is what had me on edge.

Added to the tension was the fact that the mother was pregnant and due to give birth at any time. This poses new difficulties, not only after the baby’s birth but during delivery.

My only real issue with the film was the ending, although I get why it was done. No sooner does the audience get some resolution, we jump straight into the next problem and that is where it ends. Cliff-hanger ending in anticipation for the next film.

I watched ‘A Quiet Place’ earlier in the year in preparation to see the next one. Sadly, COVID-19 put an end to that. Cliff-hanger ending indeed!

*Yes, I know – ‘Duh!’ 😉

What I’ve been watching this past month: –

Lost Girls (Netflix)

This film is based on the true story of one mother’s quest to find her missing daughter, and in the process, uncovers a connection to those of the Long Island serial killer. This story reveals what a strong woman Mari Gilbert was, and is even sadder knowing what happened after these events.

Ice-Cold Killers, Seasons 1-4 (Foxtel)

This is a true-crime documentary series, set in the harsh climates of Alaska and other states of America where it can get quite cold. I found the first two seasons, which were based in Alaska, to be interesting due to their remote location.

Abducted in Plain Sight (Netflix)

This documentary is about the double abduction of a young girl by a trusted friend of the family. I found this difficult to watch, and at one point, literally had to cover my mouth in shock. A remarkable true story of trust, betrayal, and manipulation. Quite extraordinary!

Have you watched ‘A Quiet Place’? What are your thoughts on cliff-hanger endings? Are you selective of your viewing habits these days? What have you been watching lately?