Episode 28 April 8th, 2012

Welcome back to another episode of Highbrow! Lowbrow? the podcast that compares and contrast the Best Picture Academy Award Winner and top box office earner of the same year. We take a look back at yet another set of films from the 1970's, specifically 1970 itself with the two films: the war biography, Patton (Highbrow) and the tragic romance, Love Story (Lowbrow).

Patton, directed by Franklin J. Schaffner,  stars George C. Scott as infamous WWII general George S. Patton Jr. as he faces off against the Germans and the bureaucrats during the 1940's, getting in trouble for his hard hitting and take no prisoners approach to the war. The film feels more like a documentary than a film with Jesse enjoying it more than Shaun as a result. Patton is a really unique persona bringing such ferocity and life to the screen. However the battle scenes left a little to be desired early on, there is almost a cold detachment, which is probably intentional, but made it less engaging. There are some nice moments with George C. Scott as he recites Patton's poetry and peculiar world views, juxtaposing the words with the bizarre military world that vaguely resembles royalty. Patton is an interesting film with strong imagery and words, but lacking a little heart to really engage some viewers.

Love Story, directed by Arthur Hiller, is the story of lovers Jennifer and Oliver who from different backgrounds seek to try and make life work despite their past. Ali Mcgraw and Ryan O'Neal have a strong chemistry as O'Neal plays the straight man to  McGraw's smart alec Jennifer. The melodrama runs rampant in this film, but it's not necessarily a bad thing, as the relationship stays fresh via McGraw and O'Neal's back and forth. This film had some refreshing cinematography to it, really capturing the picturesque landscape in Harvard. The story suffers from some unbelievable plot points with Oliver's dislike of his father not being established and Jennifer's problems arising out of nothing. This film's strength lies in the brief but strong relationship between Jennifer and Oliver as they grow to love each other with their realistic banter and warm romance.

What film did the Highbrow! Lowbrow? duo end up choosing? The melodramatic romance Love Story or the war biography Patton? Listen to the next Highbrow! Lowbrow? to find out.

Episode 27 March 25th, 2012

Hello and welcome to another episode of Highbrow! Lowbrow? Jesse and Shaun get together every two weeks or so to compare and contrast the Best Picture Academy Award Winner and top box office earner of the same year to see who was right: the critics or the masses. Be sure to listen below with the link provided and let us know what you think in the comments. On this episode, we're going to review two movies from 1958: the parisian gala, Gigi (Highbrow) and the wartime musical, South Pacific (Lowbrow).

Gigi, directed by Vincente Minelli, focuses on young Gigi (played by Leslie Caron) being taught the ways of womanhood and courtship as her relationship with playboy Gaston (played by Louis Jourdan) grows more complex and confusing. Mixed feelings abounded this movie as Jesse enjoyed it as a light hearted romp, but Shaun grew tired of it's flighty premise and shallow ended message. There are some pretty fun songs, but they are ultimately forgettable. The set design and resultant atmosphere really crafted the world of old gay Paris. Gigi and Gaston do have some nice chemistry as they have fun together without the trappings of a relationship, but it grows dreary as they begin to realize their feelings are growing. Maurice Chevalier is occasionally charming as Gaston's lecherous uncle, and her aunt is a classically cruel character. Overall, Gigi is a light hearted film that celebrates the gaiety of Paris and romance it fosters but is held back by somewhat of a tired plot.

South Pacific, directed by Joshua Logan, is about an army unit in the South Pacific as they deal with the confusing romantic entanglements they face during wartime in a foreign land. Nellie, an army nurse, courts Emile, a french businessman with ties to the enemy, as she tries to navigate his mysterious past. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Joseph Cable has an island romance with Liat who he is afraid to commit to during wartime. This is a vibrant film especially due to the severe color tinting done in certain scenes. Jesse enjoyed it as a unique and artistic choice, while Shaun felt it wasn't utilized well enough to implement it into the story. There are a ton of several fun songs throughout this film, from the exciting "I'm In Love With a Wonderful Guy", to the catchy "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair." The relationships of both couples (Nellie and Emile, Joseph and Liat) are both rather flimsy, with Nellie having issues with Emile for the wrong reasons and Joseph having a somewhat shady and possibly offensive relationship with Liat. While they may fit for the 1950's, it's hard nowadays to believe great romances that are built off of ignorance. There are a couple of great cameos in the film from Tom Laughlin (the infamous Billy Jack) and Ray Walston (character actor) that add to the fun of the film. Overall, this film has a lot of excitement and fun that make it worth watching despite it's poor story.

So what film did Jesse and Shaun end up picking this week? The light-hearted romance of Gigi or the epic musical that is South Pacfic? Be sure to listen to the latest Highbrow! Lowbrow? to  find out.