Cross off Movies #10 and #5

     I've started to work through my list of 20 classic movies that I need to see in 2013.  While I'm not going to provide a synopsis of the films I have seen so far, nor am I going to provide you with a full movie review.  I will, however, give you my brief impressions of the films.
     I selected the original 1969 version of "The Italian Job" as my starting point.  I've seen the remake of the film a number of times, including the original cinema release.  In comparison, the two movies don't share a lot in common other than some character names, Mini Coopers for the big car chase, a gold heist, and the use of technology that was available at the time to create the chaos required for the gold heist. 

     All in all, the film was good fun and had one of the best car chases I've ever seen in a movie.  Personally, I like the 2003 version better.  The 1969 version was a little too deliberately kooky for me, plus, I didn't like the senseless deaths of lovely classic cars.

Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures c. 1969

     I also watched "Breakfast at Tiffany's."  I'm probably going to be unpopular for saying this, but it really wasn't one of the better classic movies I've seen.  It was ok; basically good, but I didn't think it was particularly great.  I felt like the movie worked too hard to be cheery instead of allowing the darker side of the story to happen and allowing the characters to develop authentically.  Basically, the two main characters are "kept" by wealthy older men/women but end up falling in love with each other.  At the end of the movie, there's a good build up of emotion only to have the conclusion appear tacked on.  I'm glad I saw the movie, but I'm not sure why it gets the attention it does.
     I did think that the performances from the actors were good.  I do enjoy watching movies from this era to see the men and women dress up.  There's so little of that in our current flip-flops for everything society.  Of course, Audrey Hepburn's Givenchy wardrobe was lovely and she was lovely, as well.  When I watch her movies, I realize that I am not, nor will I ever be, as enticing or beautiful a person as she is.  That being said, I'm in good company because no one else is, either, particularly not today's crop of Hollywood starlets who, lumped together, do not have her natural elegance.

Photo Credit: Paramount Pictures c. 1961