Aug 15, 2008

Wiwille's movie reviews part 55

So often are we taken with everything modern we forget that there was a time before we were even sperm that good, entertaining art did exist. While culture changes drastically in such a short time span people are often frustrated to see or hear something that may seem dated. Understandable sometimes as humans tend flock to already familiar territory rather than risk something from a different time period or culture.

Keeping with the theme of submitting films I've never heard of the absent blogger Elizab submitted 'The Man in the White Suit', an older film based on a Roger MacDougall play. Alec Guinness is in the starring role playing an eccentric scientist working in the textile industry. His experiments are hushed from his colleagues as well as the audience, but after some time it's revealed his is creating an indestructible and no-stain fabric. After he makes plans to go public with his invention the corporate masters as well as the workforce makes any and all attempts to stop him.

This film, like many of that era, truly runs the gamut of genres as it's at times funny, sad, and at makes you think about the world you live in. This theme of a man trying to better the world with his product and how the dark side of capitalism tries to suppress it is an entertaining one and probably resonated more now than ever. The comedy is timed well; however dated the jokes may be. The acting is very good as you would expect from Guinness. Visually it's very impressive given it's old special effects. My only real complaint is the score, but it's not that bad. While at times this may seem preachy it has a great script and it's something I would highly recommend. This clever gem of a picture is really something all should see.

Thanks to Elizab for submitting this. Wanna see a film reviewed by Wiwille? Drop me an email or comment and you'll see it soon on Erik's Ramblings. Rules are posted here.

"While on the surface it's a comic fable with a sense of humor as dry as a cracker, the movie possesses a sharp edge that rises like a shark fin above the natty British drollery." - Mark Bourne

3 comments:

JLee said...

Man, I had one in my head the other day for you to review, then it flew outta my head. Damn.

Miss Ash said...

Interesting! I like older films.

Claire said...

I'll keep an eye out for that one.

Cxx