Mike S's Top Five Scenes That Make "Dementia 13" (1963) a Great Movie

Mike S here with a Top Five List! This time, I'm going to visit one of my favorite movies EVER- Francis Ford Coppola's debut, "Dementia 13". What follows is a list of the five scenes that make this a great movie.

1. The Dock Scene- John and Louise decide to go for a late night boat ride on lake, just before John suffers a fatal heart attack. I love this scene because of the camera angle, and the contrast between the light colour of the performers (and the boat) and the surrounding water.

The way it smoothly switches to the animated opening credits is just a great, moody way to start a movie.

2. The Playroom Scene- As Louise connives to convince John's mother to leave everything to her, she comes across the abandoned playroom of the deceased daughter Kathleen. Once again, the lighting in this scene is remarkable. Coppola really used the black and white film medium to his full advantage in this movie.

Provides a great example of the "scary monkey toy" trope as well.

3. The Late Night Swim Scene- Louise has settled on a plan to convince her mother-in-law that the spirit of Kathleen wants her to leave John's inheritance to her. This plan involves swimming in her panties late one night (it makes sense in context).

I really loved the look, and slightly claustrophobic camera work in this scene.

The reveal of the "thing" on the bottom of the lake was marvelous, and led into the first kill of the movie smoothly and skillfully.

4. The Axing the Bride Scene- The family doctor has just discovered Louise's body, and suspects who the killer is. As he sets his trap, the killer chases Richard's bride, and almost takes her head as a prize. Seriously, the shot used here is a piece of artwork in my opinion. In fact, I did use it as part of an art piece I did.

The contrast of shadows and light, the framing of the ax and the bride's face... just a fantastic piece of camera work.

5. The Climax- We come to the end. The final moments. The secret of Castle Haloran has been uncovered. The killer is known. As Billy takes one final rage filled moment to take those around him down as well, he's shot and falls... whimpering, and begging Kathleen to forgive him for killing her. A doll of Kathleen is all that's left of the madman's story...

This scene is just a well crafted end to this movie. Suspense, action, and pathos weaved together like fine silk.

And there we have it. Do you agree? Disagree? Let us know!

Comments

#CocktailHour: Slushtail

Summer approaches, inspiring thoughts of sunshine, backyard parties, and having a tip and sip with friends. With that in mind, I bring you this week sunny beverage. To make a slushtail, mix a can of frozen orange juice, a can of frozen lemonade (or limeade), a can of pineapple juice, a couple cups of black tea (or English Breakfast), and two cups of bourbon- such as Southern Comfort, in a pitcher. When it's all nicely mixed, put it in the freezer until it's a nice slushy consistency. Scoop the slush into a cocktail glass, and pour in some Sprite or 7-Up. Add a little umbrella for some frivolous fun, and a straw. Voila! Ready to enjoy. This is a very refreshing drink. The fruit juices, Sprite, and bourbon- when chilled makes for a great punch-like drink. The bourbon doesn't overwhelm juices. In fact, they are all nicely balanced in terms of flavors. The sourness of the citrus fruits contrasts well with the slightly sweeter Southern Comfort. It was refreshing enou

Unlock your fate with The Puzzle

When my dad wasn't working, building stuff or being my dad, he was making puzzles. It was a guaranteed way for him to unwind. So it was with great interest that I sat down to watch Italian filmmaker Davide Melini's award-winning short The Puzzle. You see, the mother in the five-minute film likes to relax with puzzles just like my dad. Unfortunately, her good-for-nothing son keeps harassing her for money. Losing herself in her favourite passtime, the mother soon discovers that completing this puzzle might unlock a nightmare. The Puzzle has been an official selection at more European film festivals than you can shake a stick at, and was voted Third Best Italian Film at the Rome International Film Festival in 2008. Having watched it, I'm not surprised. It's a tight little film that hits you hard in the final few seconds. You can tell Melini cut his teeth as an assistant director for legendary Italian filmmaker Dario Argento. But enough chit chat on my part. See if yo

The Animated Addict: "The Adventures of Tintin" (2011)

If you're a 40 + white dude, like myself, you may remember a comic series called " The Adventures of Tintin ". I know I remember them. This series, dating back to 1929, got turned into a animated feature film by Steven Spielberg in 2011. After buying a model of ship called The Unicorn, teenaged journalist Tintin finds himself on adventure that will take him from the high seas, to the low deserts, and from the distant past to the present. With his trusty dog, Snowy, by his side, Tintin uncovers a story connecting two men across the centuries.. . The story is really quite good. It's well crafted, and high paced- with just enough slow moments to build and develop the world and the characters. This is the sort of adventure story you'd find in the old serials of the 1930's and '40's. In fact, it felt like it was the sort of tale that you'd find Indiana Jones undertaking. I found myself swept up, and swept along as our hero swung from one e

Search This Blog