CRITERION - John Lithgow’s Closet Picks
John Lithgow discusses several films that have significantly influenced him. He starts with 'Sullivan’s Travels' by Preston Sturges, appreciating its blend of comedy and deeper themes. Lithgow admires how the film underscores the value of laughter in cinema. He then talks about 'This Sporting Life,' a gritty British film from the '60s, which is closely tied to his own career as it inspired a play he starred in, leading to his Broadway debut and a Tony Award. Lithgow also highlights 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold,' praising Richard Burton's performance. He includes 'Blow Out,' a film he starred in, noting its impact on how audiences perceive movie sound. Lastly, he mentions Jacques Tati's comedic influence and Alfred Hitchcock's mastery of suspense, particularly in 'The Lady Vanishes.'
Key Points:
- Sullivan’s Travels emphasizes the importance of laughter in film.
- This Sporting Life is linked to Lithgow's career breakthrough.
- The Spy Who Came in from the Cold features a standout performance by Richard Burton.
- Blow Out changes perceptions of movie sound, with Lithgow as the villain.
- Jacques Tati and Alfred Hitchcock are highlighted for their comedic and suspenseful mastery.
Details:
1. 🎬 John Lithgow's Favorite Films
- John Lithgow highlights Preston Sturges's film 'Sullivan’s Travels' as a significant work that combines humor with deeper themes of humanity and triumph.
- Preston Sturges is noted for his ability to blend laughter with profound storytelling, using Joel McCrea as his alter ego to explore the value of comedy in film.
- The central message of 'Sullivan’s Travels' emphasizes that the most valuable contribution of a movie is its ability to make people laugh, despite the trials and tribulations it might depict.
- Lithgow appreciates the film for its dual capacity to entertain and convey meaningful insights about the human condition.
2. 🏆 Personal Connections to 'This Sporting Life'
- 'This Sporting Life' is a prime example of the 'kitchen sink' genre of the 1960s in England, known for its gritty, groundbreaking style.
- Richard Harris delivers an acclaimed performance as a rugby player, considered one of his greatest roles.
- The screenplay is by David Storey and directed by Lindsay Anderson, adding to its critical acclaim.
- The film holds personal significance due to a play by David Storey, 'The Changing Room', which is derived from the film.
- The speaker played a role in the American premiere of 'The Changing Room' on Broadway at age 27, marking their Broadway debut.
- Winning a Tony Award for the role two weeks after the debut highlights the impact and success of the production.
3. 🔍 Intrigue in 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold'
- 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold' is an often overlooked yet critically acclaimed film based on John le Carré’s earlier George Smiley detective novels, offering a gritty and realistic portrayal of the espionage world.
- While George Smiley plays a minor role, the film is driven by Richard Burton's powerful performance, which is often hailed as one of his finest, particularly in his portrayal of a complex, disillusioned spy.
- The film's narrative is both heartbreaking and moving, capturing the bleakness of Cold War espionage, and Burton's performance adds a layer of emotional depth that is crucial to its impact.
- The film is a significant piece within the spy genre, known for its realistic portrayal of espionage and its departure from the glamorized spy narratives of its time.
4. 🎭 Acting in 'Blow Out' with Brian De Palma
- The segment discusses the speaker's role in 'Blow Out,' a film directed by Brian De Palma, featuring John Travolta and Nancy Allen.
- The narrative centers around a sound man who uncovers a significant audio recording linked to a complex crime, with the speaker portraying the criminal.
- The speaker highlights being cast as villains in three of Brian De Palma's films, noting these characters as seemingly innocuous individuals who commit horrific acts.
- The film is praised as masterful and thought-provoking, particularly in its depiction of movie sound, suggesting it changes one's perception of sound in cinema.
5. 😂 Jacques Tati's Comedic Influence
- Jacques Tati is recognized as a comedic hero, noted for his unique physical comedy, characterized by his tall stature and distinctive walking style with a hopping motion.
- The influence of Jacques Tati is evident in modern comedy, specifically in shows like '3rd Rock from the Sun,' which draws inspiration from his style and John Cleese.
- 'Mon Oncle' is highlighted as a classic example of Tati's comedy, where sequences are meticulously set up over an extended period, culminating in significant comedic payoffs.
6. 🎥 Hitchcock's Mastery in 'The Lady Vanishes'
- Alfred Hitchcock is recognized for his unparalleled skill in creating suspense.
- 'The Lady Vanishes' is highlighted as a pinnacle of Hitchcock's ability to keep audiences engaged through tension.
- The film exemplifies Hitchcock's mastery in making viewers hold their breath, showcasing his joy in suspenseful storytelling.
- Specific scenes, such as the disappearance of the lady and the subsequent investigation, illustrate Hitchcock's use of suspenseful pacing and misdirection.
- Compared to other works like 'Psycho' and 'Rear Window,' 'The Lady Vanishes' uses a more subtle build-up of tension, focusing on psychological elements.