Classics: A Review of Joe and Max By Lauren Ennis

In the 1930's politicians struggled to maintain 'peace in our time' even as the threat of war loomed ever larger. The world's athletes, meanwhile, were already entering the first skirmishes of a propaganda war as Nazi Germany promoted its 'Aryan supermen' as proof of the Third Reich's superiority. The 2002 drama Joe and Max explores the intersection of politics and sports in its depiction of the two boxing matches between Germany's Max Schmeling and America's Joe Louis and the unlikely friendship that developed between them. This fascinating tale of friendship, prejudice, war, and survival packs enough punches to satisfy cinemagoers and sports fans alike.

The story begins in 1936 with Joe Louis dominating as the United States' undefeated heavyweight champion. Meanwhile, heavyweight fighter Max Schmeling is struggling to rebuild his career in Germany. When their managers arrange for them to fight both boxers are thrown into the midst of a media campaign that the US and Nazi Germany quickly utilize for political propaganda. Even as they prepare to represent their countries in the ring both experience strife at home with Schmeling attempting to maneuver the dangerous political climate of Nazi Germany, while Louis is subjected to racial discrimination in the US. The pair face off twice in the ring, but it is the story of their friendship outside of the ring that makes this film a true knockout.

The film transcends the limits of the standard biographical drama by exploring the ways in which politics and fame influenced Louis and Schmeling's careers as well as personal lives. The racial tensions in the US place dual burdens on Louis as he faces both racial discrimination and the weight of trying to live up to his image as a role model in the black community. Similarly, Schmeling struggles as an unwilling poster boy for a regime that he despises with Germans viewing him as the embodiment of Aryan superiority and Americans viewing him as fascism personified. The way in which both fighters' images are manipulated to fit political and media narratives is strikingly relevant in an era in which athletes use their celebrity status to promote social and political causes. The fact that both fighters are unwilling pawns in a greater media and political campaign is eerily resonant as athletes from around the globe prepare to compete in the Winter Olympics in Beijing. Regardless of athletes' personal beliefs, their participation in the games will allow the People's Republic of China to present itself as a legitimate power on the world stage even as they engage in genocide and human rights abuses. Perhaps the films' greatest strength its its portrayal of the unlikely friendship that developed between Louis and Schmeling in spite of their being pitted against each other both in and out of the ring. In this way the film highlights the ways in which sports can bring us together even as everything around us threatens to tear us apart. For a historical drama that will have sports fans eagerly awaiting the next round join Joe and Max.

The film transports viewers into the world of 1930's boxing thanks to the stellar work of its cast. Richard Roundtree makes for a memorable mentor as Louis' manager, Jack Blackburn. David Paymer turns in an endearing performance as Schmeling's manager, Joe Jacobs. Siena Goines blends warmth, charm, and steely resolve in her portrayal of Louis' put upon wife, Marva. Peta Wilson lends a complex turn as Schmeling's wife, Anny, and perfectly captures Anny's journey from sheltered movie star to resilient survivor. Even the midst of a superb supporting cast Leonard Roberts and Til Schweiger dominate the film as Louis and Schmeling. Roberts infuses Louis with a boyish charm, earnestness, and grit that is guaranteed to have audiences rooting for him. Schweiger portrays Schmeling with a resolve, dignity, and quiet strength that highlight his integrity in the face of adversity.

This inspiring tale of friendship, survival, and sports will have viewers cheering. The engaging cast bring the stories of Louis and Schmeling and the drastically different societies that they lived in to vivid life. Through its well researched and engrossing script the film aptly portrays the personal and professional struggles of both fighters while offering relevant lessons for today.  For a knockout sports drama step into the ring with Joe and Max.

Classics: A Review of To Sir, With Love By Lauren Ennis

 On January 6, 2022, cinema lost one of its brightest stars with the death of Sidney Poitier. Over the course of his more than fifty year career Poitier starred in an array of iconic films that broke new ground on and off camera. In honor of his life and legacy I'll be turning this week's spotlight onto one of his most beloved films To Sir, With Love. Chronicling the trials and triumphs of a teacher's first year in an inner city school, this 1967 film became an instant classic and set the stage for decades of inspirational teacher movies to come. Viewers will be hard pressed not to fall in love with To Sir, With Love.

Inspiring audiences since 1967

The story begins with engineer and newly arrived immigrant Mark Thakery searching for a job in London. After failing to secure an engineering position he takes a job teaching at an East End high school. He soon learns why the school was willing to hire him without teaching experience when he witnesses the desperate state that the school is in. He is particularly dismayed by his disruptive students, (most of whom have been rejected by other schools) who have earned notoriety after driving their last teacher to resign. Over time, however, he is able to earn their respect and admiration as he abandons the curriculum and sets about preparing them for life after graduation. 

While the film covers territory familiar to anyone who's ever seen an inspirational teacher movie To Sir, With Love was one of the first, and arguably remains one of the best, films in the genre. Through its depiction of Mark's personal and professional struggles the film portrays him as a three dimensional person viewers can relate to, and is all the more effective for it. Similarly, the film aptly humanizes Mark's unruly students by portraying their various problems with empathy without making excuses for their behavior. The film also approaches the tense race relations of 1960's London with a complexity and nuance that are too often sorely lacking in many modern efforts. The film's greatest success, however, is the way in which it shows education as a two-way street as Mark and his students ultimately learn from one another. At once a compelling coming of age story and a portrait of the trials and tribulations of an educator To Sir, With Love is a film that has something for everyone to love.

How do you thank someone who's taken you from crayons to perfume?

The film is brilliantly brought to life thanks to the work of its cast. Suzy Kendall infuses her performance as Mark's colleague, Gillian, with warmth and charm. Dervis Ward personifies the worst in education as the school's cruel gym teacher, Mr. Bell. Christian Roberts exudes adolescent angst as class tough Denham. Pop singer Lulu proves herself to be a talented actress in her infectiously sassy turn as Babs. Judy Geeson steals each scene in which she appears as neglected and lovesick Pamela. Even in the midst of an engaging supporting cast the film belongs to Poitier. In his hands Mark is more than just another inspirational teacher but instead a model of integrity and dignity in the face of adversity.

Over fifty years after its release fans continue to show love for To Sir, With Love. Through its charming script and engaging performances the film highlights issues that continue to plague the education system while setting the standard for modern teacher movies. Through its depiction of the adversity that both Mark and his students face the film offers valid lessons in integrity, resilience, and perseverance that will resonate with viewers of any generation. Experience the quintessential inspirational teacher movie and the ultimate Sidney Poitier film by pulling up a desk with To Sir, With Love. 

Teacher's pet

Classics: A Review of The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari By Lauren Ennis

Dangerously high inflation, a society reeling from a pandemic, a humiliating military defeat, and a political system in turmoil; welcome to 1920 Germany. It was in this year that Germany released what many consider to be cinema's fist true horror movie, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. Over a century after its release the film maintains its hypnotic effect upon audiences and continues to influence filmmakers today. At once an unflinching glimpse into the malaise that beset post-war Germany and a thrilling tale of madness and murder The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari remains one of the most groundbreaking and thought provoking films to ever grace the silver screen. Peer into the eerie depths of cinema history and the modern psyche that lie within The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.

Me pre-coffee

The story begins with Francis sitting on a park bench with an unnamed man listening to the man complain about how spirits have driven him away from his family. The strange conversation abruptly changes when Francis' fiancée, Jane, passes in a trance-like state. The film then launches into a flashback as he relates the events which led to Jane's current condition. The film then shows how Francis' ordinary life is thrown into chaos when he and his friend Allen decide to attend a carnival. While at the carnival, the pair witness an exhibition by the mysterious Doctor Caligari and his psychic somnambulist (sleepwalker), Cesare. During the performance Caligari tells the audience to test Cesare's psychic abilities by asking him a question. Allen asks how long he will live and is mortified when Cesare replies that he will be dead by dawn. When Allen is found brutally murdered the next morning, Francis immediately suspects the doctor's involvement. When police arrest the wrong man for Allen's murder Cesare sets out to kill Jane, only to take pity on her. Before he can leave, however, Jane awakens and begins screaming, prompting him to carry her off into the night. Francis leads the police to Cesare and Jane and a chase ensues that ultimately results in Jane's rescue and Cesare's death. Francis then turns his pursuit to Caligari and follows him into a mental asylum where a devastating revelation awaits.

The truest test of a work of art's value is its ability to withstand the test of time; a test which The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari more than passes. Through its surreal sets, unsettling score, and twisting narrative the film takes viewers on an unforgettable journey into both a tortured mind and a society that has become unmoored. While other films had already begun to include elements of German Expressionism The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari was the fist and only film to completely surrender itself to the surreal style.  Through its innovative use of fun-house style sets, an eerie score, and ominous lighting the film perfectly conveys the world from Francis' distorted perspective, while aptly laying the blueprint for decades of horror films to come. These elements immediately draw viewers into the unusual tale and are certain to leave even the most hardened of modern viewers feeling unsettled. Beyond its aesthetic value the emphasis upon expressionism also serves to underscore the film's twisting narrative, while drawing distinct parallels to the ominous state of German society. For example, the film's bizarre visuals and unnerving score leave viewers with the distinct sense that they are experiencing Francis' delusions along with him. These same elements highlight the deluded state of a society attempting to print its way out of poverty and unwilling to accept its own defeat. Similarly, the script's emphasis upon abusive authority serves as an apt metaphor for citizens' disillusionment with a government that had callously sent them to slaughter and a warning against the dangers of an emerging authoritarianism. The script also offers scathing commentary upon the fine line between entertainment and exploitation that would be relevant in the era of reality television and social media. Through its depiction of a world gone disturbingly awry the film maintains an eerie resonance in an era in which society seems to be descending ever further into madness. For a viewing experience that is certain to haunt you long after its final credits fade enter The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.

I always feel like somebody's watching me...

The cast brilliantly brings the film's nightmarish world to terrifying life without a single line of spoken dialogue. Hans Heinrich von Twardowski conveys earnestness and likeability as the doomed Allen. Lil Dagover is both charming and vulnerable as damsel in distress Jane. Friedrich Feher turns in a startlingly modern performance as Franics and earns particular note for conveying Francis' anguished desperation in the film's shocking final reveal. Even in the midst of a strong ensemble cast the film is dominated by Werner Krausse and Conrad Veidt as Dr. Caligari and Cesare. Krausse' portrayal of Caligari is a masterful example of character acting as he infuses his every movement and gesture with menace. Veidt manages to do the impossible by humanizing Cesare even as he turns in one of cinema's most ominous performances.

At once an exploration of one man's illness and a call to dispel society's delusions The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari remains every bit as hypnotizing and relevant now as it was at the time of its release over a century ago. Through its unsettling score, mesmerizing sets, and fascinating performances the film brings one of cinema's most unusual and groundbreaking stories to vivid life. The script continues to draw viewers into its labyrinth of murder and madness while raising provocative questions about the insanity of tyranny and the mental state of society. For an unforgettable journey through the depths of cinema history and the darkest corners of the human psyche open The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari.

Who knew the 1920's were so psychedelic?