Iconic Movies that Disappoint.

Log in

SmokingPipes.com Updates

Watch for Updates Twice a Week

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

tracerbullet

Might Stick Around
Mar 20, 2013
65
130
Pennsylvania
Bogie, film noir? What movies are such that he's in? Or how do you define "film noir"?
“film noir, (French: “dark film”) style of filmmaking characterized by such elements as cynical heroes, stark lighting effects, frequent use of flashbacks, intricate plots, and an underlying existentialist philosophy. The genre was prevalent mostly in American crime dramas of the post-World War II era.”

pretty much everything Bogey did during that time frame
 

Green Hill piper

Can't Leave
Feb 1, 2023
315
2,348
I love a good ghost film. Not Hollywood monster/vampire/boogie man slasher films which I find ludicrous, invariably like something out of a comic strip, but properly creepy supernatural films where less is more. The Blair Witch Project being a case in point.
A credible and genuinely unsettling ghost story must be one of the most difficult genres to write well and equally difficult to film. My current favourite ghost film is probably the 2012 remake of The Woman in Black. That was taken from Susan Hill's 1980's novella and I would consider her a children's writer but the film takes it beyond the realm of children's fiction while staying faithful to the original story line.

If anything, the film ramps up the tension to higher levels than the book, the key to it being that the main character has no idea what he is getting himself into and the film manages to impart the same sense of dawning dread in the viewer despite the fact that we know more than the character does because it's a film and we've read the back story. Suspension of disbelief handled adroitly. And the way they treat the phantom and recreate the oppressive atmosphere inside the old house is exemplary. The jump-scares are predictable (though highly effective..) but altogether it's a genuinely and extremely creepy watch while remaining a slightly tongue-in-cheek period romp at the same time.

I could fill a page with failed ghost films that are just risible but, for that reason, few of them would count as iconic. I think some of the best ghost films are Japanese, maybe because culturally the Japanese take the supernatural very seriously. The Grudge is a good one.
Agree, Blair witch was original and terrifying. Paranormal activity is also one other supernatural movie that hits hard in the look between your fingers way.
 
G

Gimlet

Guest
Agree, Blair witch was original and terrifying. Paranormal activity is also one other supernatural movie that hits hard in the look between your fingers way.
Yes, Paranormal Activity is highly effective. A masterclass in conjouring suspense and extreme foreboding from very simple elements. A clever film.
 

jpmcwjr

Moderator
Staff member
May 12, 2015
24,937
27,703
Carmel Valley, CA
“film noir, (French: “dark film”) style of filmmaking characterized by such elements as cynical heroes, stark lighting effects, frequent use of flashbacks, intricate plots, and an underlying existentialist philosophy. The genre was prevalent mostly in American crime dramas of the post-World War II era.”

pretty much everything Bogey did during that time frame
Right you are. I was too focussed on the dark aspect, thinking someone or more had to be killed, which the two main Bogie films I was thinking of are pretty much absent murders. Probably watching too many Brit whodunnit's.

Source of quote? And thanks for setting me- and us- straight.
 
Last edited:

bullet08

Lifer
Nov 26, 2018
9,009
38,110
RTP, NC. USA
I saw Episode IV A New Hope, 11 times when it first came out.

I’d leave a showing and get right back in line.

Fun fact: it made every installment after that unwatchable.

Weird how things work.
Didn't like the episode V? Between IV and V, I can't decide which one was better.
 

bullet08

Lifer
Nov 26, 2018
9,009
38,110
RTP, NC. USA
When someone says cult classic, my mind automatically remembers two titles. "Deepthroat" and "Behind the Green Door". I mean, there are others like "Debbie Does Dallas" and so one. But who's got time to see porn when some French flicks are rated PG and has enough titties.

Honest truth is, I watch movies to kill time. And I enjoyed most movies I've seen. Not sure what would be considered cult classic, but seen most mentioned here and enjoyed them. My favorite two not mentioned yet are "Big Trouble In Little China", and Monty Python's "Holy Grail". But honestly, any Monty Python movies. Silly, but good laugh will always win over overanalyzing movies when one hasn't spoken to the people who made the movie. It's like trying to guess at next lottery numbers. Remember, there are winners.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JOHN72

autumnfog

Lifer
Jul 22, 2018
1,173
2,540
Sweden
Tarantino movies seems more ironic than iconic.
Stylized ultra-splatter-violence and quirky references to b-movies from the seventies.
I wouldn't say it's bad or that I leave the film disappointed, but it feels more like showing off coolness than telling a story.
 
  • Like
Reactions: JOHN72

JOHN72

Lifer
Sep 12, 2020
5,261
52,732
51
Spain - Europe
Disappointing movies, as well as disappointing actors. The Shining is one of my favorite movies. I see myself reflected with the actor, but much more with the character. I even have a ham knife in the drawer of my nightstand....
jack-nicholson-icegif.gif
 

tracerbullet

Might Stick Around
Mar 20, 2013
65
130
Pennsylvania
Right you are. I was too focussed on the dark aspect, thinking someone or more had to be killed, which the two main Bogie films I was thinking of are pretty much absent murders. Probably watching too many Brit whodunnit's.

Source of quote? And thanks for setting me- and us- straight.
That quote came from Brittanica. However if you search the web, the theme is roughly the same
 

HawkeyeLinus

Lifer
Oct 16, 2020
5,612
41,215
Iowa
Right you are. I was too focussed on the dark aspect, thinking someone or more had to be killed, which the two main Bogie films I was thinking of are pretty much absent murders. Probably watching too many Brit whodunnit's.
If you want some great noir look into British film noir and sample some of the movies - there are some great ones.

When you get the chance "Noir Alley" which runs on TCM is a good source for info and insight. My favorite Bogart films that are noirs are "Key Largo" and "In a Lonely Place" - if they are on, can't turn 'em off, lol, and I've aways been a sucker for Gloria Grahame. By far my favorite movie genre and "a lot going on there" with many of the films.