From the Film Vault
Program Notes: They Were Expendable (1945)
They Were Expendable is a movie about defeat. Or, rather, the glory that may be found in defeat. Based on a non-fiction book by William L. White, it’s a grim, sad yarn, but a strangely uplifting one.
New on DVD: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)
Gary Oldman is often described as an actor’s actor...which in his case apparently means an incurable ham. But in Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy he gives a marvelously restrained performance.
New on DVD: Young Adult (2011)
Young Adult doesn’t always work. But it takes enough chances to be kind of bracing in its bad taste ... sort of like a Christmas package with a bomb inside.
Program Notes: Mogambo (1953)
Mogambo was a very big deal when it was released in 1953. This African adventure made $5.2 million and turned newcomer Grace Kelly into a major star.
New on DVD: Drive (2011)
When I first saw Drive in the theater, I absolutely loved parts of it but it didn’t seem to add up to much. On the plus side, it cements my belief that Ryan Gosling is an absolutely great actor.
