Audio Asylum Thread Printer

Get a view of an entire thread on one page

FAQ / News / Events

Films/DVD Asylum

Gimme that Ol'Tyme Stalin . . .

108.81.116.219

Billy Wonka

In Reply to: RE: Child 44...Hardy, Oldman, Rapace, Castle...great cast... posted by Mark Man on April 16, 2015 at 10:10:24

A very dark and dismal film almost devoid of sun light begins in '33 Ukraine where the young Hardy bolts from an orphanage to be taken in by some soldiers. Flash to the Reichstag in '45 to see Hardy fight his way through and attempt to place THE famous flag on top. It is here we meet the same crew of people who all end up working for state security in '53.

In Moscow Hardy marries Rapace and carries out some security missions that end with grisly results. The story goes long and tends to meander with Child 44 being the plot of which all the other stories orbit around. I'm not so sure the movie should have been named Child 44.

Production standards were superb, after all, Ridley was a producer. The acting good, nice spread of A list talent, but lacking in meaningful cohesiveness. Not having read the novel leaves me at a loss as to what was really important. Was the Child 44 investigation paramount or was it the dread, fearful life in post-war USSR?

One thing, you don't want to set your time machine for Russia during that era. No, sir.

I think one thing that counts against this film is its length. If it were shorter it would have been better at the cost of its dreadful atmosphere. Probably best seen on disk or cable.

Follow Ups:

RE: Gimme that Ol'Tyme Stalin . . . - Eldragon 06:16:05 04/18/15 (5)
.
"Somebody was always controlling who got a chance and who didn't. - Charles Bukowski
- "...the worms play pinochle on your snout..." * - Billy Wonka 10:10:25 04/18/15 (4)
  .
  - RE: whatever that means??? * - Eldragon 10:31:17 04/18/15 (3)
    nt
    "Somebody was always controlling who got a chance and who didn't. - Charles Bukowski
    - Grammar school playground song....What happens when you are dead. * - Billy Wonka 11:24:57 04/19/15 (2)
      $
      - CORRECTION: The Hearse Song . . . - Billy Wonka 14:32:27 04/22/15 (1)
        
        In Reply to: RE: Grammar school playground song....What happens when you are dead. * posted by Billy Wonka on April 19, 2015 at 11:24:57
        
        Sing along.
        https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJppqS8uDyQ (Open in New Window)
        
        RE:brings back an obscure memory... - user510 10:55:48 04/23/15 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: CORRECTION: The Hearse Song . . . posted by Billy Wonka on April 22, 2015 at 14:32:27
        
        An excellent performance! Thanks.
        It was taught to me when when just barely old enough to recite the lyric. And all my friends knew it.
        Origins of the song? It must be older than we know. Traditional folk I guess.
        but..... I think there may have been a popular radio performance, film or some sort of media - circa ~1920's / 30's that brought it back into the public conscience.
        -Steve
        
        Edits: 04/23/15

Post a Followup:

FAQ

Post a Message!

Forgot Password?

Moniker (Username):
Password (Optional):
	Remember my Moniker & Password (What's this?) Eat Me
E-Mail (Optional):
Subject:

Message:	(Posts are subject to Content Rules)

Optional Link URL:
Optional Link Title:
Optional Image URL:
Upload Image:
E-mail Replies:	Automagically notify you when someone responds.

To view your new posting or follow-up, click on the RELOAD or REFRESH button on your browser.

This post is made possible by the generous support of people like you and our sponsors:

Signature Sound

[ Signature Sound Lounge ]