look at the expression on spencer tracey's face as hepburn goodheartedly emasculates him in front of a crowd. not only does she single-handedly fend off his attackers but he has to reenact the embarassment for a second audience in the police station. the male fear of femmes fatales in so many films noirs is finally, horribly realized.
the female threat is handled differently than in films noirs. although this worst possible senario occurs, the fall-out is minimal. no one is punished for this role reversal and the man and woman live happily ever after. instead of the double-cross or death by gun fire, its marriage. through it all, he accepts her. it seems the threat is far more debilitating than the reality.
4 comments:
Shahn -- Congrats on 100! Pl. don't think about shutting this blog down again, okay?
I really like these little "thought-posts" with images and observations from films...
Seeing Pyaasa (thanks to my mom--it's her all-time favorite film) was a cinephilic turning point for me as a kid.
thanks, girish!
what a mom - "pyaasa" is fantastic! i can't think of anything i really didn't like. i'd like to see it again straight through without interruptions, hopefully on film.
are there other films of a similar nature you can recommend?
Susan, I would highly recommend other Guru Dutt films, esp. Kaagaz ke Phool (translates as "Paper Flowers"). You've probably seen Ray and Ghatak's films like the Apu trilogy and Charulata (Ray) and The Cloud-Capped Star (Ghatak). These are some of my favorite Indian films.
I'm going home to India next month and can't wait to watch some films with my parents; I've always enjoyed doing that.
i'm jealous!
i've heard watching films in the theatre in india is a whole different experience.
that's on my must-do list.
thanks for the suggestions and have a lovely trip.
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