Beholds Spirit Film of 1954
On the Waterfront
The power of the right thing, learning it for yourself and then acting on it, has always stood out as the message of this film. A former boxer down on his luck and working as a dock worker, must decide whether or not to testify against the local mob boss in a murder trial. The performance by Marlon Brando has been highly cited as influential to screen acting style, but for me it began a lifelong interest in the way masculinity is presented in films.
Uplifting Movies: Brian’s Favorite 1954 Films
Brigadoon
Brigadoon is a magical place in the woods of Scotland that comes to life for one day every 100 years. Two contemporary men stumble across the place and must decide whether to stay or return to their regular lives. Would any of us really want the fantasy for our lives if we stumbled upon it?
La Strada
How far will we go to help someone else? How do we cope when we learn that part of our purpose in life is not simply to bring glory to ourselves? This Fellini film leaves me with these two questions consuming my mind.
A Star is Born
The first remake (and second filmed) version of this story, with Judy Garland in the lead role. Garland is an aspiring actress who gets cast in a play opposite a big star with personal problems. As her star rises and his fades, she must decide how much to help him and how much to pursue her own dreams. Garland’s emotional frailty is so powerful in the film.
White Christmas
A Christmas movie about show business people, a failing inn and good cheer all around. You know what to expect with the plot, but you cannot fail to leave the film a little happier.