Top Ten Films ReCap

'Titanic' is Ten

The Stars: Kate and Leo










The Lovers





The Film


























Ten is the most difficult because right below it are films that may have at one time been in my Top Ten.
So after much hair pulling and nail biting I went with the one I truly believe belongs there.
C'mon a big ship, an iceberg, a love affair, meddling parents, aristocracy and those at one time considered second class. Hey did I mention the iceberg?. The necklace, the jilted mean boyfriend? That painting? Did I mention the love affair? Kate and Leo aka Rose and Jack who could have been better. The great Kathy Bates as Molly Brown. The cinematography, the screenplay, the directionthe special effects, the music. Did I mention that theme song. Hey it worked. It's just that it was played out foreverrrrrrrrrr. Did I mention Kate and Leo? Did I mention this is number ten? Why the hell after all of this isn't it number? Got me!

'Gigi' is #9

The year was 1958. The film was the first written by Lerner and Lowe who had the Broadway hit 'My Fair Lady' running on Broadway at the time. And what a gift they gave to us. And what a beautiful film it was and remains. Wat a score. Damn what a beautiful score! I can generally find a song or two in every score that just doesn't do it. There is not one misstep in this score. Hell there is not one frame in this film that has a misstep. What brilliant casting. Leslie Caron was the perfect pick for Gigi. The role had been offered to Audrey Hepburn who had played the role on Broadway but turned it down. I think it worked out fine. Leslie's french accent just added the right note. Louis Jordan was the perfectly perfect Gaston. Maurice Chevalier was his charming self. And last but not least the one and only and often underrated Hermione Gingold as Gigi's aunt Madame Alverez. The amazing thing is not one of these actors were Oscar nominated. What makes it all the more amazing is that 'Gigi' was nominated for, and won, eight Oscars including picture and director. So who the hell did winning director Vincente Minnelli direct?


Well enough. I am proud to have this in my top ten. You know as each year passes another film could replace any of the nine already cited. I guess it's fair to say I hope for and want better films looking forward. But for 2008 'Gigi' is still here.





Screen Caps.







Some More Stills.








The publicity stills.