Classics: 3 Halloween Features for the Faint of Heart By Lauren Ennis

The thrills and chills have begun and things are going bump in the night. That bewitching hour is upon us once again. Halloween is the perfect time to celebrate all things spine-tingling, but for some of us the horrors of Halloween are all fright and no fun. This week I’ll be turning the spotlight on three screen favorites that will help even the most faint of heart to get into the spirit of the season.

And you thought you had a weird family...

The Addams Family: They may be creepy, cooky, and altogether ooky, but the only screams you’ll hear with this family are screams of laughter. Adapted from an offbeat comic strip both the 1960’s television series and the 1990’s film franchise chronicle the comic exploits of the monstrously misunderstood Addams’. While the film franchise features the deadpan wit and darker sensibility of the original comic and the television series focuses upon family friendly humor, all adaptations capture the daily absurdity of life for the fiendishly fish out of water family. Through their gothic tendencies and passion for all things macabre the wonderfully warped clan make for a delightfully distorted satire of the modern American family. Even in the midst of family fun, however, the Addams’ deliver plenty of gothic goodies and wicked whimsy to go around. For a frighteningly good time for the whole family spend some time with The Addams Family.

That slight come hither stare, it's witchcraft...

Bell, Book, and Candle: The common complaint that ‘I married to/am dating a real witch’ is taken to a whole new level in this hit romantic comedy. Like its television counterpart Bewitched, Bell, Book, and Candle follows the mismatched romance between a modern-day witch and a hapless mortal. The film begins with sultry witch Gillian lamenting her boredom and desire for a new romance. When Gillian crosses paths with a school days rival out with her fiancé, Shepherd Henderson, Gillian sees her opportunity to enjoy some wicked fun. She then casts a spell to seduce Shepherd out of spite more than genuine attraction. Complications ensue, however, when she breaks the code of witchcraft and begins falling for her spellbound target. Combining Halloween hijinks with all the classic elements of romantic comedy the film is a delightful alternative for couples looking to get into the spirt of the season without the shrieks. The film reunites Vertigo costars James Stewart and Kim Novak, who manage to convey even more chemistry in this second outing. Together the pair create cinema magic with Stewart’s folksy everyman acting as an ideal foil to Novak’s supernatural sophisticate. With scene-stealing supporting performances from Jack Lemmon and Elsa Lanchester the film is guaranteed to have you screaming with laughter. For a bewitching viewing experience spend a spell with Stewart and Novak in Bell, Book, and Candle.

Now that's how you put on the Ritz!

Young Frankenstein: Madcap adventure plus mad science proves the formula for comedy gold in this Mel Brooks classic. The film follows strait-laced scientist Victor Frankenstein (that’s pronounced ‘Fronk-en-steen’) as he reluctantly takes up the family business. The story maintains the framework of the familiar Frankenstein tale with Victor traveling to the ancestral estate and following down his grandfather’s famous path of madness, mayhem, and monsters, but with the crucial addition of Brooks’ signature humor. As a result, the film aptly pays homage to the monster movies of the 1930’s while spoofing the classic horror genre. Led by Brooks’ regular Gene Wilder the film features an expert comedic cast that includes Terri Garr, Peter Boyle, Cloris Leachman, Madeleine Kahn, and Gene Hackman. Easily one of Brooks’ most outstanding efforts, the film has attained iconic status and continues to be referenced across popular culture. Combining classic horror and contemporary comedy this monster mash is a Halloween must.

Classics: A Review of The Talented Mr. Ripley By Lauren Ennis

Is it better to be a real nobody or a false somebody? It is this seemingly simple question that drives the 1999 thriller The Talented Mr. Ripley. Adapted from the 1955 novel of the same name, the film follows a working class young man as he uses his unusual talents to enter 1950's cafe society and the fatal lengths at which he will go to remain there. At once a subtle character study and a Hitchcockian thriller this twisted tale of the American Dream gone wrong is simply to die for.

A portrait of the sociopath as a young social-climber

The story begins with struggling pianist Tom Ripley (Matt Damon) filling in for another musician at a society gala. After the performance tycoon shipping tycoon Herbert Greenleaf (James Rebhorn) mistakes Tom for an acquaintance of his son, Princeton alum turned playboy Dickie. When Tom fails to correct the error Mr. Greenleaf offers to pay Tom to travel to the glamorous Italian Riviera and retrieve the errant Dickie (Jude Law). Tom eagerly seizes the opportunity, but upon arriving is immediately swept up into Dickie's world of fast living and easy money. As the summer draws to a close, however, both Tom's funds and Dickie's friendship are stretched to their limits. Determined not to give up his new lifestyle Tom concocts a scheme that puts his talents to the ultimate test.

Although the film's plot maintains the usual twists and turns of a thriller the film sets itself apart by relating its sordid story of money and manipulation from the villain's perspective. From the outset, Tom is portrayed as cunning, manipulative, and opportunistic; hardly qualities of a likeable protagonist. As the story unfolds, however, viewers experience the world through Tom's eyes and his desire for self-improvement and manipulation become understandable even as his actions escalate to the reprehensible. As a result, audiences are placed in the uncomfortable position of empathizing with a character that they would ordinarily condemn. This perspective lends the proceedings an additional layer of suspense as audiences become emotionally invested in Tom's fate as well as the grim fates of those around him. Less a tale of who done it than why was it done, film raises fundamental questions about identity, success, and society all while weaving a web of deception that will leave viewers guessing until its final frame.

The moment when three becomes a crowd

The world of Tom Ripley in all its gruesomeness and glamour is vividly brought to life by the talented cast. Jude Law charmingly portrays the equal parts carefree and careless Dickie. Gwenyth Paltrow turns in a dynamic performance as Dickie's fiance as she captures Marge's party gilr persona while hinting at the depth that Tom underestimates. Jack Davenport earns sympathy as Tom's deceived love interest, Peter. Philip Seymour Hoffman and Cate Blanchett steal each scene in which they appear as Dickie's charismatic best friend, Freddie, and witty socialite Meredith. Matt Damon proves himself every bit as talented as Tom Ripley as he conveys the easy charm, inner torment, and desperate drive that define the elusive Tom.

The adventures of Tom Ripley make for a thought provoking thriller that will leave viewers questioning even themselves. Through its intricate plot, intelligent script and superior performances the film relates a masterful tale of classic suspense. For a guaranteed thrill ride join the scheming, social climbing, and sociopathic but ever talented Mr. Ripley.

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