0 Page 8 -The Michigan Daily-Wednesday, December 2, 1987 Five inest movies 20 That' s no easy question By Scott Collins Some weeks ago, one of my edi- tors asked'the film critics (I use the term loosely) at The Daily to pro- vide some background information about themselves. The bio sheet in- cluded a number of questions, but 1ie only really interesting one was saved for last: What are your five fa- vorite films? The question fascinated me, so I suffered over it, pondering deeply as I roamed the streets late at night. Finally, after many false starts and some tortuous, angst-ridden indeci- sion, I arrived at the following list: 1. The Devil in Miss Jones 2. Reefer Madness 3. The Barbarian and the Geisha 4. OklahomaK! 5. Any film by Kenneth Anger Sounds like revival night at the Inferno Cineplex, doesn't it? The enormous tongue in my fleshy cheek was uncomfortable, to say the least, so I resolved to con- sider seriously the question, and see if I could offer a list of films that truly are my favorites, just in time for both of my readers to draw up their Christmas video gift list. The following are films that I not only enjoy watching (among "classic" films, these, I think, are probably the most fun), but also in- fluence my thinking about the movies. Also note that I offer this list knowing that there are still plenty of great films that I haven't seen. And just so no one's feelings will be hurt, the list is in chronological order - the only pos- sible ranking you can justify in cases like this one. -The Gold Rush (Charles Chap- lin 1925) - Pauline Kael called this one of "the sweetest" films ever made, but I consider that a pretty big insult. Charlie struggles with '49-ers in an arctic wasteland, and beyond his endearing "Oceania Roll" (now used to hawk Hershey bars in televi- sion commercials) are some unset- tling notions about how greed affects those who can't - or won't - play the game. In a sense, it's not really a silent film. You can detect an un- canny "latent" soundtrack, especially when Charlie peers out his cabin door and wistfully listens to the sounds of a New Year's Eve party. -The Grand Illusion (Jean Renoir 1936) - An anti-epic about a group of French P.O.W.'s during the "Great (Grand?) War." Renoir demonstrates, perhaps better than anyone else, why film is the logical inheritor of the tradition of the 19th century novel. Although never ex- plicitly mentioned, the much-argued "illusion" of the title could be the gap between the aristocratic idealism of war and the grim reality of its af- termath. -Citizen Kane (Orson Welles 1941) - An obvious choice, I know, and I won't even attempt to capture its full glory. Take a film course if you want to hear a profes- sor blather on about its watershed technique, acting, and so forth. Nearly half a century after its release (and lukewarm box-office reception) it remains one of the most contro- versial films of all time. But con- sider: no matter who wrote the screenplay (and some critics have established their reputations by arguing for Welles or Joseph Man- ciewicz), how can you help loving a film with so many nasty barbs in it? When Kane tells his stiff-upper-lip guardian Thatcher that he (Kane) could have been a great man if he hadn't been born wealthy, the old codger asks, "What would you like to have been?" Kane glowers, "Everything you hate." -Touch of Evil (Orson Welles 1959) - A friend of mine says that this film captures the spirit of punk. I think I see what he means -what could be more wonderfully perverse than Charlton Heston as a Mexican drug agent and Marlene Dietrich as a south of the border madam? Welles himself is, as usual, a wonder to be- hold. Here, he's somewhere between Mercury Theatre and Paul Masson, playing a corrupt police inspector who's gone to pot. When Dietrich spies him in her bordello, she blurts what should by now be the most in- famous greeting in moviedom: "I didn't recognize you. You oughta lay off the candy bars." -The Graduate (Mike Nichols 1967) - The film that defined the rebellion of all-American boys and girls in the late '60s, and happily still a perennial favorite on college campuses. In some ways, this film seems cursed by its popularity. Critics have underestimated its con- siderable technical flair (crosscutting Benjamin on the raft and Benjamin on Mrs. Robinson, for starters). I'm not so sure that I go' along with the film's filial dynamics -Elaine's (Katherine Ross) laconic, lace 'n' doily posture strikes a funny note because it represents the very con- cepts Ben rejects -but on the whole this must be regarded as the cine- matic landmark of '60s pop culture. And while we're on the subject of best lines, why not close with Ben's retort to his father, who wonders "what those four years of hard work in college were for?" Ben looks up from the raft and slowly replies, "You got me." - I I Al Michigan Daily ARTS 763-0379 Kane (Orson Wells) addressing a political rally in 'Citizen Kane': New American archetype or everything you hate? I 4 Records ii.R. Human Rights SST Records H.R. (the lead singer and song- writer from Bad Brains) teams up with Earl (Bad Brains' drummer) to produce his first solo album, the eclectic Human Rights. The LP is a sporadic effort that attempts a diverse set of styles, both vocally and iusically, ranging from violent, energetic hardcore, and crisp, en- chanting jazz to stale reggae and substandard dance/funk mixes. Nevertheless, Human Rights 4howcases the multi-talented H.R.'s Olectrifying vocal range, alluring musical arrangements, and arresting images of his effusive lyrics. Many of the songs, such as the title cut 4nd "I Luv King Jah," are marred by intrusive, cheesy, Flock of Seagulls- like keyboards that disrupt the beauty of H.R.'s resonant vocals. On the other hand, "Acting So Bad" is a poetic jazz arrangement that in- cludes a brisk, articulate piano solo and subtle, whispering guitar fluor- Ishes. H.R. even does-an electrifying scat solo that sounds suspiciously tike Bobby McFerrin on 'ludes. k "Life After Death" is the premier out on the album and the only tune in Bad Brains' mode. This is an an- gry; violent song guaranteed to send you into intense, air guitar spasms. The killer rhythm is accented by H.R.'s patented screaming, wailing, fist-in-your-face rapping that ex- plodes off the turntable in an over- powering emotional frenzy. Unfortunately, most of the reggae tunes are lacklustre musically with H.R.'s vocals and lyrics being the only redeeming quality. "Viva Aza- nia (Free Africa)", however, works to perfection. A tight reggae rydim featuring Earl's smashing drum beat combines perfectly with H.R.'s pas- sionate vocals that include squeaks, shrieks, and a plea to "look at the violence dressed in silence." For the most part, H u m a n Rights is an interesting album with some tremendous musical explo- rations and urgent lyrics. But H.R. often strays too far from his rasta- core roots. His reggae arrangements lack depth and their simplicity sug- gests H.R. should study Rastafarian rhythms a little closer or just stick with Bad Brains' crunching hardcore assault. Needless to say, however, H.R. is a multi-talented individual whose courageous dabblings must be applauded. Human Rights is a mixed success that will nevertheless attract interested Bad Brains fans as well as reggae-rasta lovers. It's worth it to check out the album if only to better understand H.R.'s unique talent and mystical attraction. - Todd Shanker FREE MUFFIN with purchase of a regular size soup ii 1220 South University 747-7009 Delivery Available Open 7 Days a Week M-F 7am-10pm SAT 8am-10pm SUN 8am-9pm Read UMJ8 Daieq Cezwo1ied4 Expires 12/11/87 Paul Hudson, A.K.A. H.R., best known as the Bad Brains' vocalist, has released his first solo album on SST Records. Fat Al. The Fatman will make a special guest appearance on WCBN, 88.3 FM tonight, 11 p.m.-2 a.m. CLASSIFIED ADS Call 764-0557 cmon.. thursaay's classes aren't alt that important LAUG T K RAC iatudi[) CtxI:(v presents comedian STUART MITCHELL student Comedans DANIEL PATRICK SHEEHAN ERIC CHAMPNELLA MICHAEL TOWER WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 2 AnH, 4 Vn.a -i .4 SALARY SUPPLEMENTS! ARE HERE! S Avalabe for $.00 at Student Publications Building IAh The Kodak K400 is just as easy to get as it is to use. For a limited time order your Jostens cotlege ring through your Jostens sales representative or the bookstore. With your ring you will receive a certificate entitling you to a Kodak K400 camera (retail value approximately $59). Mail it in. Your camera will be sent to you upon receipt of the certificate. Happy Holidays from JO TENS A M E R I C A S C O L L E G E RI NGIm Stop by and see a Jostens representative, Monday, November 30-Friday, December 4, 4 4 4j.me A .w a