Dracula

The costumes in the 1931 film Dracula are iconic and timeless. They are both elegant and eerie, perfectly capturing the essence of the film's dark and atmospheric tone.

Bela Lugosi's portrayal of Count Dracula is one of the most iconic in cinema history, and his costume is a large part of that. Lugosi's Dracula is a sophisticated and aristocratic figure, and his costume reflects that. He is often seen wearing black capes and suits, with high collars and cuffs. His hair is slicked back, and his face is pale and gaunt. This costume creates a sense of dread and mystery, perfectly embodying the character of Dracula.

The other costumes in the film are also well-designed and contribute to the overall atmosphere. Mina Harker, played by Helen Chandler, is often seen wearing white dresses and gowns, which contrast sharply with the dark colors worn by Dracula and the other characters. This contrast helps to highlight Mina's innocence and purity, while also making her seem vulnerable and at risk.

The other characters in the film are also dressed in period clothing that is both stylish and evocative of the film's setting. The costumes help to create a sense of realism and authenticity, which makes the film's horror elements even more effective.

More reviews here on letterboxd:

https://letterboxd.com/jssexton/ 

Poltergeist

Poltergeist was released in 1982, near the beginning of the Reagan Era. It is a horror film about a suburban family whose home is invaded by malevolent spirits. The film's themes of domesticity, technology, and the supernatural resonated with audiences at the time, and it has since become one of the most iconic horror films of the 1980s.

In many ways, Poltergeist can be seen as a reflection of the anxieties and concerns of the American people in the early 1980s. The film's focus on the nuclear family and the threat of its disruption mirrored the growing concerns about the changing role of the family in American society. The film's depiction of technology as being both beneficial and dangerous also reflected the ambivalence that many Americans felt about the rapid technological advances of the era. The film's exploration of the supernatural can be seen as a response to the growing religious fundamentalism of those years.

Poltergeist is a film that is deeply embedded in the social and cultural context of it's time. The 1980s was an era of great uncertainty and anxiety, as the world was facing Cold War tensions, the threat of nuclear war, and the AIDS crisis. It is a film that reflects the anxieties and concerns of the American people of that time, and it continues to resonate with audiences today perhaps for many of the same reasons.

More reviews here on letterboxd:

https://letterboxd.com/jssexton/ 

High Plains Drifter

High Plains Drifter (1973) is a dark and revisionist western directed by Clint Eastwood, who also stars as the mysterious stranger who rides into a small town to protect it from a gang of outlaws. The film is notable for its ambiguous morality, deconstruction of western tropes, and hints of supernatural elements,

The film is visually striking, with stark cinematography and a haunting score. Eastwood gives a mesmerizing performance as the stranger, a man who is both ruthless and charismatic.

Eastwood's Stranger is a complex and ambiguous figure. He is a skilled gunman, but he is also ruthless and vengeful. He uses the townspeople to achieve his own ends, and he ultimately leaves them worse off than he found them.

The film's supernatural undertones are intriguing. 

The townspeople of Lago seems innocent at first, but are shown to be corrupt and dishonest, complicate in a terrible crime, and are willing to do whatever it takes to protect their own interests. The Stranger, on the other hand, is a symbol of moral purity and harsh justice through violence.

The townspeople are also guilty of inaction. They have allowed evil to flourish in their town, and they have failed to protect their own citizens. The Stranger, who appears to have some connection to a man murdered in the town previously, forces the townspeople to confront their guilt and to take responsibility for their actions.

The Stranger seems to be able to control the townspeople, and he appears to be immune to harm. This suggests that he may be more than just a man, but some sort of vehicle for retribution.

Some critics have seen the film as a critique of the American legal system and its inability to deliver justice. It can also be viewed as a meditation on the nature of evil and the cycle of revenge through violence. 

High Plains Drifter is a thought-provoking film. It is not a traditional Western, but it is a powerful and disturbing exploration of the American West.

More reviews here on letterboxd:

https://letterboxd.com/jssexton/ 

John Wick

John Wick is s Gun Safety Disaster.

Keanu Reeves is back in action as John Wick, a retired hitman who is drawn back into the criminal underworld after his puppy is killed. Wick is a skilled assassin with a deadly aim, and a gun safety hazard.

Throughout the film, Wick breaks every gun safety rule in the book. He fires his gun with one hand, he keeps his finger on the trigger outside the guard... It's a wonder he doesn't accidentally shoot himself or someone else.

John Wick sometimes fires his gun without looking where he's aiming. This is incredibly reckless and could easily result in accidental injury or death. He also keeps a loaded gun under his bed, within reach of his dog. This is a big no-no, especially if you have children or pets in your home!

Astonishingly, despite all of these gun safety violations and many more, Wick somehow manages to avoid getting himself or anyone else killed by accident.

Just remember, kids: don't be like John Wick. Gun safety is important!

More reviews here on letterboxd:

https://letterboxd.com/jssexton/ 

The Nightmare Before Christmas

Let's talk about Jack Skellington. He's a skeleton, for goodness sake! How does he expect to take over Christmas? He doesn't have the skills, the experience, or the resources. And yet, he just goes for it anyway.

More reviews here on letterboxd:

https://letterboxd.com/jssexton/ 

Weird Science

A towering triumph of '80s teenage nerd cinematic craftsmanship...

More reviews here on letterboxd:

https://letterboxd.com/jssexton/ 

Melancholia

Oh, Melancholia, so dark and deep,

Your themes are heavy, your message steep.

You show us despair, depression's grip,

And the futility of human ship.

But your beauty shines, your shots are grand,

And your actors give us performances unplanned.

So thank you, Lars, for this work of art,

Even though it left our hearts so smart.

More reviews here on letterboxd:

https://letterboxd.com/jssexton/ 

Shaft

In the culinary landscape of cinema, "Shaft" (1979) stands as a delectable treat, a film that satiates the appetite for action and intrigue while simultaneously serving up a smorgasbord of culinary metaphors.

John Shaft, the titular private detective, navigates the gritty streets of New York City with the finesse of a seasoned chef, expertly maneuvering through a world where danger and deception are as commonplace as a greasy spoon diner. Shaft's investigations take him from swanky uptown restaurants to dingy back-alley dives, exposing him to a diverse menu of characters and experiences.

While Shaft's primary focus is on solving crimes, food plays a significant role in his world. He's often seen indulging in hearty meals, whether it's a juicy steak at a high-end establishment or a simple sandwich from a street vendor. These culinary interludes serve as more than just sustenance; they provide moments of respite and reflection, allowing Shaft to gather his thoughts and prepare for the next course of action.

The film's culinary text extends beyond Shaft's personal dining habits. The criminal underworld he navigates is rife with food-related metaphors, from the "big cheese" at the top of the food chain to the "small fry" caught in the crossfire. Shaft's investigations often involve uncovering the "rotten apples" in society, exposing those who have spoiled the metaphorical pot of stew.

In a particularly memorable scene, Shaft confronts a corrupt businessman in a swanky restaurant, using the language of food to expose the man's nefarious dealings. He accuses the businessman of "cooking the books" and "serving up a raw deal," cleverly weaving culinary terms into his accusations.

The film's climax takes place in a bustling marketplace, where Shaft confronts the mastermind behind a drug trafficking ring. Amidst the cacophony of vendors hawking their wares, Shaft delivers a final blow to the criminal enterprise, effectively "shutting down the kitchen" and putting an end to their illicit activities.

"Shaft" (1979) is a culinary adventure, skillfully weaving food-related themes into its narrative, adding delectable layer to its gritty and action-packed storyline. Through its use of culinary metaphors and Shaft's own dining habits, the film serves up a unique blend of action and intrigue, leaving viewers both entertained and hungry for more.

More reviews here on letterboxd:

https://letterboxd.com/jssexton/ 

The Blues Brothers

Jake and Elwood Blues, on a mission from God,

To reunite their band and make some odd coin.

With sunglasses and black suits so cool,

They're the Blues Brothers, they're the real deal.

From Joliet Prison to Sister Mary Stigmata,

They're dodging the law, but they're having a blast-a!

With Carrie Fisher and Aretha Franklin too,

The Blues Brothers are a musical crew.

With their Bluesmobile, they're driving through the night,

Singing and dancing with all their might.

John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd at their best,

The Blues Brothers are the best dressed.

So if you're feeling down and need a pick-me-up,

Just watch the Blues Brothers and drink from your cup.

They'll make you laugh and get your toes tapping,

The Blues Brothers are simply captivating.

Oh, the Blues Brothers, they're the best,

They're better than all the rest.

So put on the movie and have some fun,

The Blues Brothers are second to none!

More reviews here on letterboxd:

https://letterboxd.com/jssexton/ 

Forbidden Planet

Forbidden Planet is a sci-fi movie about a bunch of space cadets who land on a planet formally inhabited by a super-advanced civilization. The aliens were so advanced, they have robots that can do everything for them, including cooking, cleaning, and giving massages.

But there's a dark secret: a giant monster locked up in the basement. And when the space cadets release the monster, all hell breaks loose.

Roughly... You get the idea.

More reviews here on letterboxd:

https://letterboxd.com/jssexton/