June 22-23, 2011
58. The Sound of Music (1965)—REWATCH
Starring Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Eleanor Parker
Directed by Robert Wise
Plot: "A woman leaves an Austrian convent to become a governess to the children of a Naval officer widower." (from IMDb)
Of course this is a rewatch—it’s one of my very favorite films! I can’t really add much to what has already been said about this wonderful movie. So here (in no particular order) are just a a dozen of the many reasons I happen to love it…
Note: I’ve been having a lot of trouble with Blogger lately—not being able to post, getting error messages, etc. Well, more specifically, I guess the trouble is with Windows Live Writer (as I find it really impossible to use the Blogger post editing system). Has anyone else been having these problems? In the case of this post, the only way it would let me publish was without the pictures and graphics. I just wanted to let you know what’s up in case something seems a little wonky on my blog or in my posts delivered via a feed reader. If anyone has any tips, I’d love to hear them! Thanks, as always, for reading. And sorry again about the blah format of this post. ~ UPDATED: Okay, I got the pictures most of the pictures to work! Yay!
1. Christopher Plummer as Captain Georg Von Trapp
Without him, I don’t think the movie would be half as good. I know we’ve all heard how he disliked the role at the time, etc. but I think that makes it all the more admirable that he pulled off such a memorable performance. It’s the little mannerisms and expressions that add so much dimension to his character. Oh, and each time I watch the film I find him more attractive. Am I the only one, or does anyone else find him rather swoon-worthy? **As a side note, I really want to see more Christopher Plummer films. I’ve only seen this one and The Scarlett and the Black (amazing film—his scenes going toe-to-toe with Gregory Peck are especially great. It’s funny to compare his role here—see above flag-ripping—to his role in that film, where he plays a Nazi!). Does anyone have any Plummer films to recommend?
Without him, I don’t think the movie would be half as good. I know we’ve all heard how he disliked the role at the time, etc. but I think that makes it all the more admirable that he pulled off such a memorable performance. It’s the little mannerisms and expressions that add so much dimension to his character. Oh, and each time I watch the film I find him more attractive. Am I the only one, or does anyone else find him rather swoon-worthy? **As a side note, I really want to see more Christopher Plummer films. I’ve only seen this one and The Scarlett and the Black (amazing film—his scenes going toe-to-toe with Gregory Peck are especially great. It’s funny to compare his role here—see above flag-ripping—to his role in that film, where he plays a Nazi!). Does anyone have any Plummer films to recommend?
2. The Rogers and Hammerstein score
They were really so talented at creating memorable and beautiful music that managed to seamlessly propel the plot. The songs from this movie are some of my favorites. The melodies have depth and emotion; they aren’t just pretty words strung together to music. The score really helps to convey the mood of the respective scenes in the film.
3. Julie Andrews as Maria
Julie was perfect in this role. Her presence conveys such warmth, genuineness, happiness, and joy. I can’t even describe it. I think she was completely terrific in this film. She had bounds of energy, yet she also carried the slow and romantic parts of the movie beautifully. I also love what she does with some of the lines. Her first meeting with the Captain is my favorite example of this. Just how she interacted here was perfect. Example: “Were you this much trouble at the abbey?” “Oh, much more, sir!”
4. The cinematography
Sweeping camera angles, beautiful colors…what’s not to love? I hope someday I can see this film on the big screen it appreciate it in all its original glory!
5. The sets/scenery
I am rather envious of the Von Trapp’s spacious dwellings. The interior of the home is lovely (I think my favorite is the ballroom!), but I especially love the outside with the well-groomed lawns, terrace, gazebo, shimmering lake, and mountains in the distance. *sigh*
6. Eleanor Parker as the Baroness
I know some people really dislike her, but I think she adds so much to the movie with her throaty-voiced witticisms and sashaying walk. But despite her urbane, confident exterior, there is a certain endearing air of vulnerability about her. I actually end up feeling quite sorry for the Baroness. I know that her cajoling Maria to leave stems from the fact that she is afraid of losing what little she has in her empty life. Despite her riches, she is leads a rather vapid existence, and longs for security and stability with the Captain. I think it takes a special actress to make the clichéd other-woman so interesting—and even slightly sympathetic. Of course, Eleanor pulls it off beautifully.
7. The dialogue
So many great lines I can’t even count them all. Also, terrifically quotable. I really do quote this movie all the time…
8. The chemistry between the two leads
It really makes the movie. :) I happen to find this movie incredibly romantic.
9. The nuns
These nuns are just awesome. They sing, they get Maria and the Captain back together, and they certainly aren’t about to let any old Nazis intimidate them.
10. Austria
I want to go there!!! I dare you not to feel some love for this country during the final singing of “Edelweiss”.
11. The clothes
Even if some of the fashions are sort of a morphing of 30s and 60s style, I do love a lot of the outfits in this. Some of my favorites are the blue-green dress Maria wears on her return to the Von Trapp's, just about anything the Baroness wears (but especially that pink suit), and Captain Von Trapp’s tall boots that he wears when singing at the music festival. I also find the alpine inspired costumes—lederhosen, tyrolean hats, etc.—to be really charming!
12. The wedding
So beautiful! When I was little, this was my dream wedding (hmm, maybe it still is?). I love how the camera gives us a bird’s eyes view of Maria walking up that long aisle, and then we see the Captain standing there looking oh-so-handsome in his naval uniform, and finally the view sweeps up, up, up to the very top of the bell-tower. It’s just such a cool moment.
There are really so many scenes that I just love in this film. It has it all—suspense, romance, atmosphere, music, a stirring climax… I could go on. There are moments that in turn make my heart soar, bring me to tears, have me on the edge of my seat, make me laugh, want to dance, or just make me very happy!
So, why do you love The Sound of Music? (or don't you?)
**Please note that the pictures and graphics in this post are NOT MINE. No copyright or creative infringement is intended. If you feel I have used an image contrary to the author's wishes, please let me know and I will promptly remove it.**
**Please note that the pictures and graphics in this post are NOT MINE. No copyright or creative infringement is intended. If you feel I have used an image contrary to the author's wishes, please let me know and I will promptly remove it.**
June 20, 2011
I’m not really sure what I think of Loretta Young here. I like her okay, I just have a hard time believing that this was really worthy of an Oscar. It’s not that I’m mean and don’t want her to be recognized—she had been in Hollywood a long time and perhaps the Academy just felt she was due something—but this performance doesn’t strike me as that challenging. Yes, she had to learn to speak with a Swedish accent (though I don’t know how convincing it is because I’m not familiar with the language), but there is nothing about this role that seems particularly note-worthy. Perhaps it’s just one of those subtle parts that I don’t fully appreciate? What do you think? 
