Review of Broadway Melody of 1940 (1940) by John R — 10 Jun 2004

Broadway Melody of 1940 -.

Two gay lovers try to earn a living dancing. However, when the perfect job comes along, a difficult decision comes: can they take the part if it means abandoning eachother? The George Murphy character decides that yes, it is worth it. He takes the job and abandons poor Fred Astaire for that harlot, Eleanor Powell. In grief, we see Fred encounter a woman who balances a ball on a pole which she sticks in her mouth. The symbolism is obvious: Fred Astaire's character's world is crumbling around him, and he begins to question his sexuality. In this confusion, he consents to oral intercourse with her. However, this is fleeting, as his lover, Murphy, discovers that he can't handle a woman by himself, turning to alcoholism. Powell's character, hungry for love, runs to Astaire, desperate for his fullness. He consents. In the end, however, Astaire and Powell come to forgive Murphy, and allow him to join them in a fantabulous threesome that rivals in raw sexuality any of the work of a Bertolluci or a Lynch.

Also notable is the film's satirization of masturbation, which is seen as an ugly woman singing and dancing by herself, only worthy to laugh at. She is old, and she dances alone for no one is willing to dance with her. Pitiable and laughable.

Reed between the lines, people.

Sunset Boulevard -.

Giilis was an absolute fool. An ABSOLUTE fool. #1 - despite the age difference, Norma Desmond is still a more interesting lover than that bland girl how wants to be a writer. #2 - the story of Salome is approximately one hundred times more interesting than that tripe they were writing about two teachers wo fall in love, or whatever it was. If he knew what was good for him, he would have actually taken the project seriously.

Oh well, no use crying over rotten eggs. This film is still a masterpiece. And I feel really bad for Norma Desmond.

Yellow Submarine -.

The most clearly psychedelic film ever made, and one of the most intelligent. It's all in your head, indeed. Noteworthy for the fabulous "Eleanor Rigby" "Lucy In the Sky With Diamonds" and "All You Need Is Love" musical scenes, as well as a very lovely playfullness with senses of time and perspective.