Film reviews part 7 (in order of viewing)

Witness for the prosecution (1957). 17 & 18.9.21. All three leads seemed to be rather odd casting – why couldn’t they have got an Englishman to play the defendant? – and the woman at Euston seemed particularly unconvincing. Also, the subplot regarding the barrister’s health was a touch overdone and the ending was altogether too rushed and staged. But the sheer force of the story was more than enough to counter these small issues. 8/10

To catch a thief (1955). 19.9.21. Filmed in the south of France and beautifully shot, on first viewing the film seemed a bit too clever for its own good - but I imagine “everything” might fit into place on another viewing. It is worth noting that Variety said the film had “some plot weaknesses”, which sounds consistent with my viewing. Remarkable cameo from Hitchcock. The review score takes into account the general gorgeousness of the film! 7/10

White, white day (2019). 6.10.21. So nearly turned off in the middle but something small happened to persuade me to keep watching. Dreary, pretentious and unoriginal in all the important respects (there are far, far too many of this sort of foreign film and I’m concerned I will be wasting hundreds of hours watching them). The premise is quite an interesting one though, and the main actor’s performance was excellent. 4/10

Southside with you (2016). 16.10.21. Charming offering with some thought-provoking dialogue. 6½/10

Capernaum (2018). 17.10.21. Not a film I would want to watch twice due to its depressing nature. Incredible performances from an all-amateur cast – consistent with my theory that amateurs can produce performances every bit as powerful as professionals. A well-made film that should be seen (but not for ‘entertainment’ in the narrow sense). 8/10

Life and death of Colonel Blimp (1943). 18-20.10.21. A film of clear quality and sophistication, especially in the dialogue. 8½/10, but might have been 9/10 if viewed contemporaneously!

The hate u give (2018). 23 & 24.10.21. Some complex situations and dialogue save this from being too run of the mill. A weak final few scenes though. 7/10

Yentl (1983). 25.10.21. Ponderously directed, especially in the second half, with a preposterous plot and awful songs, the film nevertheless usually stays the right side of watchable, and the ‘revelation’ scene is touching. I disagree with Roger Ebert: in direct contrast with him, I thought the middle part of the film was the worst. 6/10

Bleak Moments (1971). CINEMA. 28.10.21. Superlative character and situation study, if a touch self-conscious on occasion. If the film was judged on the pathos of the acting alone, this would get 10/10. 8½/10

Ghost stories (2017). 9&10.11.21. So-so light horror; entertaining enough to sit through. 6/10