“Elmer Gantry” to “Enemy of the State”
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Elmer Gantry (1960) This film deservedly garnered Burt Lancaster a Best Actor Academy Award. His salesman to evangelist is the antithesis of Jean Simmons true-believer. Very loosely based on the 1920s A.S. McPherson phenomena, it is still astoundingly gripping. Many stars, wide screen cinematography and a well done screenplay will captivate any viewer! (KWR)
Emma (1996) When I first saw this movie it left me speechless, quite speechless I tell you, and I have not stopped talking of it since. This touching version of Jane Austins classic novel is full of sunshine and tight trousers. The entire cast is captivating, the production values are top notch, the characters believable. This lovely romantic comedy is one of my top ten favorite films of all time. (GS)
The Emperor’s New Clothes (2002) Based on the novel The Death of Napoleon by Simon Ley, Ian Holms stars as the French general imprisoned on Elba who switches places with a drunken sailor (also played by Holms) and escapes back to Europe in the hopes of reclaiming his throne only to find that France has changed since he was last there. A whimsical romantic comedy with tremendous wit and intelligence. (GS)
Empire of the Sun (1987) Christian Bale makes a remarkable film debut in this magnificent Steven Spielberg film set in a civilian prisoner of war camp in Japan during WWII. The film is based on the novel of the same name by J.G. Ballard with a splendid script by Tom Stoppard. Noteworthy supporting performance from John Malkovich. (GS)
Enemy of the State (1998) This Tony Scott action/thriller stars Will Smith, Gene Hackman with an array of some of my favorite actors Ian Hart, Seth Green, Gabriel Byrne, and schloads more. Smith plays a lawyer whose identity is stolen electronically; hes accused of murder and uncovers a sinister government plot. (Is there any other kind?) This is an electrifying and intelligent edge-of-your-seat conspiracy film. Get that popcorn popping! (GS)
Originally published in Raspberry World – Volume 2, Issue 1 (June/July 2007)