Film Dictionary: Sep 9, 1984

September 9, 1984

Oscar-winning documentary about America's first openly gay politician, assassinated in 1978.

All Of Me (1984) ***

Steve Martin gives a terrific performance is this wild comedy.

Shanghai Blues (1984) ***

Tsui Hark's first masterpiece is a fast-paced comedy set in 1947 Shanghai.

Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. With Frances McDormand, Dan Hedaya, M.Emmet Walsh, and John Getz. This exciting debut effort by the Coen Brothers, made in 1984, seemlessly blends elements of old film noir melodramas, Alfred Hitchcock thrillers and contemporary horror movies. It tells the story of a tough bar owner (Dan Hedaya) who hires a slimy private eye (M.Emmet Walsh) to murder his wife (Frances McDormand) and her lover (John Getz). It’s a tense and crafty little movie, full of surprising plot twists. The young filmmakers (who would later made such memorable classics as Raising Arizona, Barton Fink and Fargo) have managed to built suspense through expert use of dark light, claustrophobic space, realistic sets and interesting camera movements.

Ce premier long métrage des frères Coen, tourné en 1984, s’inspire aussi bien de vieux film noirs, de films d'Alfred Hitchcock et de films d’horreur contemporains. L’histoire est simple: un mari jaloux (Dan Hedaya) demande à un détective (M.Emmet Walsh) de supprimer sa femme (Frances Mcormand) et son amant (John Getz). Mais l’intrigue ne se déroule pas du tout comme prévue. C'est un petit film très astucieux, et plein des grosses surprises. Les jeunes cinéastes (qui ont réalisés par la suite des films encore plus mémorables, tels que Raising Arizona, Barton Fink and Fargo), sont parvenus à créer un suspense inoubliable grâce à l’utilisation experte de tous les élements cinématographiques: la lumière, l’espace, le décor et les movements de camera.

The Karate Kid (1984) ***

Good film starring Ralph Macchio as an eager karate student.

Before Stonewall (1984) ***

Excellent documentary about the persecutions of gay people in America before the famous Stonewall riots in the summer of 1969.

Kids From Shaolin (1984) ***

Directed by Chang Hsin-Yen. Jet Li stars in this enjoyable kung-fu film about two warring families.

Wheels On Meals (1984) ***

Jackie Chan stars in this chop socky film set in Europe.

The Bostonians (1984) ***

An adaptation of a Henry James's novel.

El Norte (1984) ***

Excellent film about illegal immigrants from Central America.

Ghostbusters (1984) ***

Blockbuster comedy about ghost hunters in New York City.

Gremlins (1984) ***

An ingenious mix of comedy, horror and science-fiction.

Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom (1984) ***

Exciting adventure film, set in India.

Dune (1984) ***

An adaptation of the famous novel.

They're Playing With Fire (1984) ***

Racing With The Moon (1984) ***

Stop Making Sense (1984) ***

Directed by Jonathan Demme. A concert film by Talking Heads. Songs include:

"Psycho Killer" **
"Burning Down The House" **
"Once In A Lifetime" ***

That Was Rock (1984) ***

This musical documentary consists of the footage from two concert films, "The T.A.M.I Show" (1964), directed by Steve Binder and "The Big T.N.T Show" (1966), directed by Larry Peerce. Hosted by Chuck Berry. Songs include:

"You Don't Own Me" (Lesley Gore) ***