“Bad Day at Black Rock” to “Bambi”
Bad Day at Black Rock (1955) You will believe a one-armed, middle-aged man can kick some ass… (KCL)
The Bad Seed (1956) This was an unprecedented film for its time. Nominated for four Academy Awards, it garnered none! That cute little charming girl with pigtails is actually a conniving, cunning, conning sociopath. It is not easy to watch, and if remade now, it’d be visceral instead of memorable. Because of the censors, the ending is very different from the well known book and play. Hard to believe but the maligned Hayes Code might have made it better. That Rhoda is smart, almost as smart as me. (KWR)
Badlands (1973) Writer-director Terrence Malick’s debut is a stunning fictionalized account of Charles Starkweathers spree killings, which stars Martin Sheen and Sissy Spacek. Malick doesnt tell the viewer how to think about whats happening on the screen, which is not only refreshing but has also given the film a timeless quality. (GS)
Balthazar (1966) When was the last time you were moved by an actor that could not speak? This B&W French film stars a donkey. It has plot, action, romance, suspense, and charm. It is a powerfully moving experience which questions, but does not answer, lifes questions. Why does evil flourish? Is there retribution or remission? What is innocence? Balthazar is a simple beast of burden, found as a young colt christened by the little girl, forgotten and constantly taken for granted, and finally pays the ultimate price for others sins all without question. Invest your time in this one it might expand or possibly even blow your mind. (KWR)
Bambi (1942) A beautiful animated feature that tells the tale of a fawn and his forest friends, with Thumper stealing every scene hes in. (GS)
Originally published in Raspberry World – Volume 2, Issue 1 (June/July 2007)