trvr_hffmn

Others have described Lost Boundaries very well here, so we will not retrace the plot. As we watched this movie on TCM, it again reinforced our feeling that the movie industry has in some ways lost its way today. From what we can see, while Lost Boundaries was well reviewed by contemporary viewers, it was not particularly recognized when it was made. Nevertheless, being a modest production of its time, it easily surpasses so many movies made today with far greater resources in terms of budget, "star power," and other means. When the industry focused on telling human stories with human beings, it was much more convincing. Today, there is so much focus on marketing, gimmickry, "star" power, and extraneous things like special effects and post-production polishing that it seems the stories lack that "human touch."

We live in Hawaii, and recently saw "The Descendants" out of natural curiosity to see our home state featured, and our response, and that of others we know, was lukewarm. The story seemed to lack depth and any real investment of characters to any stakes (since it was in part about land and wealth), yet it is being touted for Best Picture and more. Clooney was already given Best Actor in the Golden Globes, and our belief is that the award is being rigged because he is a Hollywood favorite and insider. It is a typical Clooney job...glib and slightly sarcastic, and it baffles us that it merits any such recognition.

Occasionally someone makes a great picture because talent is irrepressible and will always emerge, but now it seems to be in spite of the industry rather than because of it. It seems that the television producers seem to have passed the feature film producers in telling stories (Mad Men, Breaking Bad). Tell stories with people, about people, by people...please.

I recently reviewed another David Niven film..."Enchantment," and it compares well to "A Matter of Life and Death," which is as good as any film today that combines the real with the surreal, with the here and now versus the here and after, and between earthly flesh and heavenly ascendancy.

Like "Enchantment," I saw this film by chance while scanning the list of TCM, which has to be Mr. Turner's finest legacy behind CNN and his ego; but movie fans have to thank him for creating a venue for so many excellent films from the past.

The story here is like so many in real life, one set into motion by chance...an airman about to go down speaks what he believes are his last words to a woman manning the radio at an airbase. In moments, he falls in love with the voice and woman behind the voice, and she too feels a kindred spirit. Desperation, the threat of mortality, the fog of war...they all make for brothers in arms and lasting romances...and "A Matter of Life and Death" succeeds on multiple levels, as a story, as a romance of chance, as a fantasy, and of a grand bargain and trial between man and fate...an excellent movie.

I just saw this movie this morning at 4 am, and found it like many other oldies to be a goodie. A well told story, with complexity and sentiment woven together like a fine tapestry. Not a particular David Niven fan, but like Cary Grant, he possessed a kind of boyish sincerity and vulnerability that was probably a big part of his appeal.

But...if you enjoyed this movie and seek something similar, and especially if you are a Niven fan, then look for "A Matter of Life and Death," AKA "Stairway to Heaven." This film is equal to "Enchantment," and that is a high compliment.

Good luck in finding it, and enjoy.