romance — Blog — Reflections on a Silver Screen

"...and then I'll be free of the past:" Vertigo and the perversity of resurrection

Robert Downey Jr.’s upcoming remake of Alfred Hitchcock’s 1958 masterpiece is an act of corporate vandalism.

Commentary, Hollywood Revisited, NewsBen RendichMarch 29, 2023Vertigo, Alfred Hitchcock, Robert Downey Jr., remake, Drama, Thriller, romance

“So happy, Mr. Bradley:” the perennial grace of Roman Holiday

Seventy years after its initial release, Roman Holiday remains a lovely, charming movie of gentle humanity.

Hollywood RevisitedBen RendichJanuary 31, 2023Roman Holiday, Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck, William Wyler, romance, Comedy, feminism

Review: dirty deeds Where the Crawdads Sing

Based upon Delia Owens’ bestseller, the latest from producer Reese Witherspoon is part of an ongoing trend in movies about women who exact revenge on abusive men.

Film review, Movie review, ReviewBen RendichAugust 3, 2022Where the Crawdads Sing, Reese Witherspoon, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Harris Dickinson, Taylor John Smith, murder, murder mystery, romance, Drama, sexual assault, abuse

“…even when I’m surrounded by other people:” the lazy ennui of Lost in Translation

Despite tender direction from Sofia Coppola, Lost in Translation bolsters its May-November romance with feeble stereotyping of Japanese people and culture.

Hollywood RevisitedBen RendichMarch 29, 2022Lost in Translation, Bill Murray, Scarlett Johansson, Sofia Coppola, Japan, Orientalism, romance, Comedy, Drama, racismComment

Review: love is Death on the Nile

A silky if ill-fitting fabrication, Death on the Nile benefits from sensitive direction by Kenneth Branagh and a charismatic cast — especially the combustible Emma Mackey.