Insidious: Chapter 2 was released to theaters this weekend, and that got me thinking of this film again.
It's always difficult for me to pick just one image from a film when choosing a screenshot for my Facebook cover photo. In the case of Poltergeist, it was very hard not to pick Carol Ann (Heather O'Rourke) with the television set, which is easily the most iconic image of the film -- and that would have been a good one. The shot below, however, has always stuck with me. It's a kiss that might have been their last one ever, but it gives Steve (Craig T. Nelson) the courage to let his determined wife, Diane (Jo Beth Williams), enter into the great unknown to save their child. It's the scariest moment of their lives, and yet for us, it's the most reassuring moment in an amazing film.
People love to shop online, but for me, nothing beats rummaging through the bins at my local movie store. It's a voyage of discovery every time, and not something I'm likely to give up for the convenience of a mouse click. BLIND PICK is a new feature where I'll grab an interesting title that I've never seen, one that I didn't intend to buy until coming across it on the rack, and do a quick review.
The Magus (1968)
Released by: 20th Century Fox
Dir: Guy Green
Starring: Michael Caine, Anthony Quinn, Candice Bergen, Anna Karina
Why did I buy it? Well, between that great title ("Magus" means magician, or sorcerer), the retro cover art, and the talent involved, picking this one up was an easy decision. I didn't even bother to read the back cover before adding it to my pile.
What's the story? Nicholas Urfe (Caine) is an Englishman who skips town on a relationship that's getting too serious for a teaching position on a small Greek island. He is befriended by the charismatic Maurice (Quinn) and falls under the spell of the beautiful Lily (Bergen), a mysterious woman who resides in Maurice's home. But, who is Lily really? Is she Maurice's lover, or his prisoner? Is she a damsel in distress, or a bored temptress? Nothing is what it seems, and Maurice's mind games pull Nicholas deeper into a web of deception that may have dire consequences. He's given one last shot at returning to normal life when ex-lover Anne (Karina) visits Greece, but his curiosity and attraction to Lily is too strong, compelling him to continue in the magus' game.
Non-spoilery thoughts? Directed by Guy Green -- best known as the cinematographer on David Lean's Great Expectations and Oliver Twist -- the film bounces between romantic comedy, melodrama, and surrealism. It's wildly uneven, as are the performances of its three leads, and the camerawork and editing is often spotty. Plus, it features, perhaps, the worst music score imaginable. (Seriously, some of the music cues are laughable.) Without spoiling the secrets of the film's final act, it's difficult to reveal my complex feelings about the story. But, I'd say the last 20-30 minutes is easily the best that the film has to offer, including a surprisingly great flashback for Quinn's character, an elaborate dream sequence, and the revelation of the magus' endgame.
Final verdict? Disappointing, given the talent involved, but it's mysterious and bizarre, and has some cool ideas, making it an interesting footnote in some great careers. Watching this movie with a large midnight crowd could be fun, if Fox were to make it available for revival.
