Well, it is that time again! Dennis Cozzalio over at Sergio Leone and the Infield Fly Rule has come up with a another of his very fine (and fun) film quizzes for our Labor Day enjoyment. And since he's included something dear to my heart in another of his memorable titles for the post, I can't help but participate (yet again):
PROFESSOR DAVID HUXLEY’S LABORIOUS, LICENTIOUS SPOTTED-LEOPARD LABOR DAY FILM QUIZ
The rules are simple enough. Anyone interested in posting quiz answers can do so in the blogpost comment section, or link there with your answers from your own blog posting.
1) Classic film you most want to experience that has so far eluded you.
The Magnificent Ambersons. I'm still waiting on a Region 1 Criterion Collection release (that's my story and I'm sticking to it).
2) Greatest Criterion DVD/Blu-ray release ever
I can't decide between Seven Samurai or The Third Man.
3) The Big Sleep or The Maltese Falcon?
The Maltese Falcon. While I think a Bogie and Bacall pairing is always a great thing, and Chandler's Philip Marlowe (as done by Bogart) is a classic, I'm afraid I'll have to fall back to Sam Spade and John Huston's first film. That's because The Maltese Falcon's story is a hell of a story, and a hell of a lot more straightforward (depending upon which version of The Big Sleep you watch). I love both films. However, sentimentally speaking, TMF was the first classic Bogart film I saw as a teen -- and it made an impression. I can't believe this native Angeleno just picked the San Francisco film over an L.A. classic (I must be more tired than I think after moving).
4) Jason Bateman or Paul Rudd?
Jason Bateman
5) Best mother/child (male or female) movie star combo
Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson.
6) Who are the Robert Mitchums and Ida Lupinos among working movie actors? Do modern parallels to such masculine and no-nonsense feminine stars even exist? If not, why not?
Simple answer, there are none. The current (U.S.) studios don't seem to be capable of producing their likes. Although, I'd say Chow Yun-Fat comes closest to Mitchum and Virginia Madsen could be a stand-in for Lupino.
7) Favorite Preston Sturges movie
The Lady Eve
8) Odette Yustman or Mary Elizabeth Winstead?
Mary Elizabeth Winstead
9) Is there a movie that if you found out a partner or love interest loved (or didn't love) would qualify as a Relationship Deal Breaker?
Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen. I absolutely despise that movie.
10) Favorite DVD commentary
Easiest question for me in the whole quiz: The incomparably informative and simultaneously hilarious commentary by John Carpenter and Kurt Russell laid down for the seminal 1982 film, The Thing. I can listen to these two go on about that singular film, over and over again, because there's never a dull moment in the entire track. It is simply on par with the film.
11) Movies most recently seen on DVD, Blu-ray and theatrically
DVD: Red Sun Blu-ray Disc: Clash of the Titans (2010) Theatre: The American
12) Dirk Bogarde or Alan Bates?
I'll go with Donald Pleasence for the block, Peter.
13) Favorite DVD extra
The commentary track (see question 10 for a reason).
14) Brian De Palma’s Scarface— yes or no?
An enthusiastic Yes.
15) Best comic moment from a horror film that is not a horror comedy (Young Frankenstein, Love At First Bite, et al.)
It's the 'runaway alien head' scene from John Carpenter's The Thing film. After Norris' head detaches itself, grows insect-like legs, and attempts to scurry away, the look on Palmer's face as he watches it go by while he exclaims:
16) Jane Birkin or Edwige Fenech?
Edwige Fenech
17) Favorite Wong Kar-wai movie
In the Mood for Love
18) Best horrific moment from a comedy that is not a horror comedy
That would be the 'all tied up' scene from Frank Capra's Arsenic and Old Lace. It's when a bound and helpless Mortimer Brewster is given a verbal prelude by his criminally insane sibling of what will be his slow, torturous demise:
19) From 2010, a specific example of what movies are doing right…
Machete
20) Ryan Reynolds or Chris Evans?
Ryan Reynolds. His Hal Jordan (Green Lantern) looks like a better bet than Evans' Captain America.
21) Speculate about the future of online film writing. What’s next?
I have no freakin' idea. Smell-O-Vision for blogs, maybe?
22) Roger Livesey or David Farrar?
I'll go with David Farrar for his Xerxes in The 300 Spartans (loved that movie as a kid).
23) Best father/child (male or female) movie star combo
Kirk Douglas and Michael Douglas.
24) Favorite Freddie Francis movie (as Director)
The Day of the Triffids
25) Bringing Up Baby or The Awful Truth?
Bringing Up Baby. How can I not go with Professor David Huxley?
26) Tina Fey or Kristen Wiig?
Tina Fey. Not even close. If I'm going to pick a smart, nerdy, (ex-SNL) comedienne, it's going to be the brunette.
27) Name a stylistically important director and the best film that would have never been made without his/her influence.
Quentin Tarantino and Death Proof.
28) Movie you’d most enjoy seeing remade and transplanted to a different culture (i.e. Yimou Zhang’s A Woman, a Gun and a Noodle Shop.)
Gone With The Wind. Then, maybe, I'd be interested in watching the damn thing again.
29) Link to a picture/frame grab of a movie image that for you best illustrates bliss. Elaborate.
To be sure my definition of bliss was in sync, I looked it up in the dictionary:
With that in mind (especially that last part), the particular scene became very clear to me. It is the closing sequence from Ridley Scott's Gladiator and Maximus entrance into Elysium. His long lost re-unification with his wife and child finally occurring, after killing the man who betrayed and murdered them, was particularly sweet (though in a blood-thristy manner) for this film watcher.
30) With a tip of that hat to Glenn Kenny, think of a just-slightly-inadequate alternate title for a famous movie. (Examples from GK: Fan Fiction; Boudu Relieved From Cramping; The Mild Imprecation of the Cat People)
It's A Just-Slightly-Inadequately Wonderful Life.
Technorati Tags: movie quiz
PROFESSOR DAVID HUXLEY’S LABORIOUS, LICENTIOUS SPOTTED-LEOPARD LABOR DAY FILM QUIZ
The rules are simple enough. Anyone interested in posting quiz answers can do so in the blogpost comment section, or link there with your answers from your own blog posting.
1) Classic film you most want to experience that has so far eluded you.
The Magnificent Ambersons. I'm still waiting on a Region 1 Criterion Collection release (that's my story and I'm sticking to it).
2) Greatest Criterion DVD/Blu-ray release ever
I can't decide between Seven Samurai or The Third Man.
3) The Big Sleep or The Maltese Falcon?
The Maltese Falcon. While I think a Bogie and Bacall pairing is always a great thing, and Chandler's Philip Marlowe (as done by Bogart) is a classic, I'm afraid I'll have to fall back to Sam Spade and John Huston's first film. That's because The Maltese Falcon's story is a hell of a story, and a hell of a lot more straightforward (depending upon which version of The Big Sleep you watch). I love both films. However, sentimentally speaking, TMF was the first classic Bogart film I saw as a teen -- and it made an impression. I can't believe this native Angeleno just picked the San Francisco film over an L.A. classic (I must be more tired than I think after moving).
4) Jason Bateman or Paul Rudd?
Jason Bateman
5) Best mother/child (male or female) movie star combo
Goldie Hawn and Kate Hudson.
6) Who are the Robert Mitchums and Ida Lupinos among working movie actors? Do modern parallels to such masculine and no-nonsense feminine stars even exist? If not, why not?
Simple answer, there are none. The current (U.S.) studios don't seem to be capable of producing their likes. Although, I'd say Chow Yun-Fat comes closest to Mitchum and Virginia Madsen could be a stand-in for Lupino.
7) Favorite Preston Sturges movie
The Lady Eve
8) Odette Yustman or Mary Elizabeth Winstead?
Mary Elizabeth Winstead
9) Is there a movie that if you found out a partner or love interest loved (or didn't love) would qualify as a Relationship Deal Breaker?
Transformers 2: Revenge of the Fallen. I absolutely despise that movie.
10) Favorite DVD commentary
Easiest question for me in the whole quiz: The incomparably informative and simultaneously hilarious commentary by John Carpenter and Kurt Russell laid down for the seminal 1982 film, The Thing. I can listen to these two go on about that singular film, over and over again, because there's never a dull moment in the entire track. It is simply on par with the film.
11) Movies most recently seen on DVD, Blu-ray and theatrically
DVD: Red Sun Blu-ray Disc: Clash of the Titans (2010) Theatre: The American
12) Dirk Bogarde or Alan Bates?
I'll go with Donald Pleasence for the block, Peter.
13) Favorite DVD extra
The commentary track (see question 10 for a reason).
14) Brian De Palma’s Scarface— yes or no?
An enthusiastic Yes.
15) Best comic moment from a horror film that is not a horror comedy (Young Frankenstein, Love At First Bite, et al.)
It's the 'runaway alien head' scene from John Carpenter's The Thing film. After Norris' head detaches itself, grows insect-like legs, and attempts to scurry away, the look on Palmer's face as he watches it go by while he exclaims:
"You gotta be fucking kidding..."... is freakin' priceless!
16) Jane Birkin or Edwige Fenech?
Edwige Fenech
17) Favorite Wong Kar-wai movie
In the Mood for Love
18) Best horrific moment from a comedy that is not a horror comedy
That would be the 'all tied up' scene from Frank Capra's Arsenic and Old Lace. It's when a bound and helpless Mortimer Brewster is given a verbal prelude by his criminally insane sibling of what will be his slow, torturous demise:
19) From 2010, a specific example of what movies are doing right…
Machete
20) Ryan Reynolds or Chris Evans?
Ryan Reynolds. His Hal Jordan (Green Lantern) looks like a better bet than Evans' Captain America.
21) Speculate about the future of online film writing. What’s next?
I have no freakin' idea. Smell-O-Vision for blogs, maybe?
22) Roger Livesey or David Farrar?
I'll go with David Farrar for his Xerxes in The 300 Spartans (loved that movie as a kid).
23) Best father/child (male or female) movie star combo
Kirk Douglas and Michael Douglas.
24) Favorite Freddie Francis movie (as Director)
The Day of the Triffids
25) Bringing Up Baby or The Awful Truth?
Bringing Up Baby. How can I not go with Professor David Huxley?
26) Tina Fey or Kristen Wiig?
Tina Fey. Not even close. If I'm going to pick a smart, nerdy, (ex-SNL) comedienne, it's going to be the brunette.
27) Name a stylistically important director and the best film that would have never been made without his/her influence.
Quentin Tarantino and Death Proof.
28) Movie you’d most enjoy seeing remade and transplanted to a different culture (i.e. Yimou Zhang’s A Woman, a Gun and a Noodle Shop.)
Gone With The Wind. Then, maybe, I'd be interested in watching the damn thing again.
29) Link to a picture/frame grab of a movie image that for you best illustrates bliss. Elaborate.
To be sure my definition of bliss was in sync, I looked it up in the dictionary:
With that in mind (especially that last part), the particular scene became very clear to me. It is the closing sequence from Ridley Scott's Gladiator and Maximus entrance into Elysium. His long lost re-unification with his wife and child finally occurring, after killing the man who betrayed and murdered them, was particularly sweet (though in a blood-thristy manner) for this film watcher.
30) With a tip of that hat to Glenn Kenny, think of a just-slightly-inadequate alternate title for a famous movie. (Examples from GK: Fan Fiction; Boudu Relieved From Cramping; The Mild Imprecation of the Cat People)
It's A Just-Slightly-Inadequately Wonderful Life.
Say Goodnight, Gracie.
Technorati Tags: movie quiz
Are you saying you liked DEATH PROOF?
ReplyDeleteGuilty as charged ;) .
ReplyDeleteI happen to be a fan of both Kurt Russell and Quentin Tarantino. The pairing, the slow build-up, and the homage to the old car chase films (and stunts) were what made it for me. My thanks for your comment.
I always get a kick out of reading these quiz post. It does make me realize how shallow my movie knowledge is though. Mitchum and Yun-Fat, now that just blows my mind. Good stuff, thanks.
ReplyDeleteDo you know why I love your quiz posts? They pack such a punch! Educational, funny, sweet, curiosity inducing (as in, now I have a few new movies to see) and so much fun!
ReplyDeleteI must say I laughed so hard at #9 because my movie is Princess Bride and thinking back to what you said in your email I was like, whoa, I'm so impressed because my marriage would never survive that. :) My movie(s) that a partner couldn't like are The Hulk and The Hunted (in my household called The Knife Movie).
Good fun Leopard13.
ReplyDelete1. I'm going to have to go with a TV series here. Six Million Dollar Man. For the love of God would someone release the bloody series already. You're killing me.
2. Star Trek TOS on Blu-Ray. Chock full of goodies, but this would be the must own for me. I realize I'm fudging the guidelines here. Okay. I'll go with Stephen King's The Mist. Frank Darbont's film is infinitely watchable. I love it. It looks amazing and the two disc set has loads of goodies. It may not be classic to some, but I love it from start to finish.
3.-
4. Right there with you. Jason Bateman all the way. Arrested Development is a classic.
5. -
6-9. I like your answers especially on the Tranformers. Good Grief that was just horrible. I had a girlfriend where Dirty Dancing use to really annoy me. : )
10. Dark City. Though The Thing is right there for me too.
11. Soldier [DVD]/ The Killer / Iron Man 2 [not impressed by the way].
12.-
13. I love retrospective LOOK BACKs from casts that have aged in NEW DOCUMENTARIES as added bonuses! I LOVE THEM!
14. Scarface- brilliant!
15. That line from The Thing is quotable all day long and I did so most of my life. How did they capture that line so brilliantly. That actor, while essentially unknown, was perfect in that moment. There are a couple of classic moments for Nathan Fillion in SLITHER, but I haven't seen the film as many times as The Thing so it's hard to quote.
17. -
18.-
19. I'll go with Ben Stiller getting his penis caught in the zipper in There's Something About Mary. That was horrific especially with the fleshy part hangin' out. Or the old bitty's tit shot. "The battle armor."
20. Tough one, it's close, but I have to go with Chris Evans. He won me over with Sunshine.
21. -22. -
23. Much easier than the ladies. Voight/Jolie.
27. Peter Jackson/ District 9 [I'm not a huge Jackson fan, but I think his influence made a difference on District 9].
Loved your image from Gladiator. That's a beauty. I'd have to go with the image of Kiki at the beginning of the film for Kiki's Delivery Service by Hayao Miyazaki. She sits lays in the grassy fields below cool winds and blue skies. Lovely.
I could probably answer maybe 3-4 questions with any degree of honesty. After that I'd just be BS-ing. But I love the inclusion of the classic films here.
ReplyDeleteGreat answers to a fun quiz. I'd only be able to complete maybe half due to lack of information (I don't even own a Blue-Ray player!). Love how Robert Mitchum got a mention; he's one of my faves.
ReplyDeleteAgree with you on most questions--IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE is excellent!--but differ on some. I'd pick Chris Evans over Ryan Reynolds because I don't get Reynolds's allure. He's as bland as day-old bread! Evans makes some bad films but I find him charismatic on screen. I'd also pick Paul Rudd over Jason Bateman.
Since I didn't see TRANSFORMERS 2, I'd choose G.I. JOE: THE RISE OF COBRA as the relationship deal breaker. I'd burn rubber getting outta there.
I think for best father/child duo, I'd pick Jon Voight & Angelina Jolie.
Thanks very much, Herb.
ReplyDeleteYou're talking about the first Hulk film, yes? The one with Eric Bana as Bruce Banner? I'd have to agree with you on that one ;) .
ReplyDeleteWhenever Dennis posts one of these, I have an uncontrollable urge to get working on it. Thanks, Rachel, for you kind words.
You've included some great and thought-provoking answers to this movie quiz, SFF. Your #19 is cringe inducing! Kudos, as well, for the Slither and District 9 mentions, my friend. Although, I had a different take with regards to The Mist -- we must discuss sometime. I always appreciate your assessments and comments, my friend. Thanks very much
ReplyDeleteI think you movie knowledge is very insightful, Naomi. And more than you give yourself credit for. Thanks for your comment.
ReplyDeleteI think Robert Mitchum is one of the greats of cinema -- and he's gotten mentions in earlier quizzes, too. Chris Evans is rising in my opinion (Sci-Fi Fanatic's mention of his work in Sunshine is a prime example), but RR won me over with that nude scene with Sandra Bullock in The Proposal ;) .
ReplyDeleteWe're on the same wavelength, Elyse. If not Transformers 2, it would have been G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra. Great pick of Voight and Jolie, as well. Thanks.
Yes, that one. I saw it in the theatre with much anticipation. I believe by the end (yes, I know it's hard to believe there was an end, felt interminable) I had laid my head down and gone to sleep, in the theatre! Shit you not! If you can sleep through the end of a super-hero/action film something is definitely wrong. I can't decide if I was simply bored or confused into a stupor.
ReplyDeleteHi le0pard, thanks a lot for the kind comments you left at my site. I really loved your answer of Chow-Yun Fat, and I wish I remembered The Thing commentary when I did my answers. Kurt Russel and Robert Zemeckis also have a good collaborative commentary track on Used Cars if you haven't heard that yet.
ReplyDeleteAnd while I've "seen" The Magnificent Ambersons, I feel until the missing footage is found and inserted, no one's actually "seen" The Magnificent Ambersons.
<span>Hi le0pard, thanks a lot for the kind comments you left at my site. I really loved your answer of Chow-Yun Fat, and I wish I remembered The Thing commentary when I did my answers. Kurt Russel and Robert Zemeckis also have a good collaborative commentary track on Used Cars if you haven't heard that yet.
ReplyDeleteAnd while I've "seen" The Magnificent Ambersons, I feel until the missing footage is found and inserted, no one's actually "seen" The Magnificent Ambersons.</span>
Colonel, I really enjoyed your answers to the movie quiz and the content on your blog. I will be coming back for more. I'm a big Kurt Russell fan and have heard his and Zemeckis' commentary track for Used Cars. It is very much a fun and collaborative narrative of that fun and underrated comedy. Thank you very much for stopping by and adding your wonderful comment, my friend.
ReplyDeleteNice pick for commentary! I almost picked that one myself (or the one they did for BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA) but PTA's one for BOOGIE NIGHTS *just* edged it out.
ReplyDeleteAlso, could call on Goldie Hawn/Kate Hudson... I completely forgot about that one! d'oh...
Thanks, J.D. I really enjoyed reading your answers, too.
ReplyDeleteAs usual, I'm totally in awe!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Jen.
ReplyDelete