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.