The 31 Days of Xmas Clips: Day 25

Wind-down after a long day of Christmas festivities with the classic seasonal mind-melter, Santa Claus Conquers the Martians.

Merry Christmas.


- Phil Morehart

The 31 Days of Xmas Clips: Day 24

Very appropriate questions for Mr. Claus this Xmas Eve, courtesy of Bad Santa (over the young'uns ears for this one).


- Phil Morehart

Top 9* Holiday Flicks for Cool Kids - Revisited

The ghost of Facets Features Christmas Past dug up this stellar round-up of alt-Xmas films, first posted here last year.

Enjoy.


MSNBC ran an article about the "coolest Xmas movies you've never seen." Even though the list really doesn’t cut mustard for Facets’ extended family of enlightened renters, collectors, and readers, the author’s intentions were noble and he hit upon some overlooked gems, including The Ice Harvest and La Buche. But the whole tit-for-tat, “If you’re sick of A Christmas Story, you should see blank” approach is pretty limiting. Add to that, how could you honestly be sick of A Christmas Story?

Regardless, you should feel free to go beyond the Christmas Canon (It's a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, White Christmas) and its more subterranean counterparts (A Nightmare Before Christmas, Bad Santa, Scrooged) this year and find what puts you in the jolliest or grinchiest mood, both of which have their redeeming qualities. Why is Egg Nog anymore of a holiday drink then say…gin? At least gin tastes like pine trees. I guess what I’m driving at here is this: You should pick your own holiday poison. I’m picking mine:

1. Gremlins (Joe Dante, 1984)
It encapsulates what I’ve come to expect from Christmas. My snuggly hopes of Capra-esque small-town holiday charm, multi-colored lights, and good will toward man end up falling apart before mid-December. The cold outlasts the merriment every year and crap goes south fast, as it does in Kingston Falls after Gizmo gets himself wet. There's another valuable lesson to be learned in Joe Dante’s comically violent masterpiece: Never look for a Christmas present in Chinatown.

2. Fanny and Alexander (Ingmar Bergman, 1982)
Although I was tempted to put Winter Light on my list for its sheer existential and topographical blankness, I went with Bergman’s markedly cheerier and highly autobiographical ode to the arts, his childhood, his films, and, of course, Strindberg. Granted, I’ve never seen a Christmas Eve even remotely as festive as the one spent at Grandmother Ekdahl’s home in Uppsala, Sweden in the first act of Fanny and Alexander, but I have to keep hope alive that it goes down like that somewhere. Conga lines, singing, boozing, magic lantern shows, infidelity—everything a good Lutheran boy could possibly dream of!

3. The Mothman Prophecies (Mark Pellington, 2002)
I generally shy away from movies made by music video directors—all flash with no motivation—but I think this Mark Pellington (Pearl Jam's "Jeremy") thriller deserves some credit for making West Virginia seem like a completely different planet altogether without being condescending in any way. Richard Gere plays a man who loses his wife mysteriously, believes the (real-life) Mothman legend has something to do with it, and wanders back and forth between his D.C. home and West Virginia searching for answers in the cold. Without giving anything away, the finale that takes place on a suspension bridge in the middle of the small coal-mining town is visually stunning, with neatly-wrapped Christmas presents sinking to the bottom of the icy river.

4. Eyes Wide Shut (Stanley Kubrick, 1999)
Kubrick’s final piece of filmed controversy gets big wintry props here, but not for any lofty theoretical, psychosexual, or auteurist reason. It all boils down to the mansion party held by Victor Ziegler (Syndey Lumet), in which Kubrick uses a wall of soft, white Christmas lights to illuminate the scene. This source-lighting scheme continues throughout the film, ranging from lights on Christmas trees to those hung around the seedy, confining streets of "New York" (way shot in England). There’s also a drunken quality to the whole picture that speaks to the holidays in general. And Nicole Kidman stops the show by forcefully saying “Fuck” in what appears to be a giant FAO Schwarz toy store. That’s holiday gold, Stanley.

5. Black Christmas (Bob Clark, 1974)
You know, I love A Christmas Story just as much as the next Joe Sportscar. However, I love horror movies exponentially more. Especially ones as simple and effective as Bob Clark's atmospheric wonder Black Christmas. This is by far the best of the holiday horror films. Not because it came before Christmas Evil (You Better Watch Out) or Silent Night, Deadly Night, but because it set the suspense bar so high for 'girl alone in house' horrors like Halloween, When a Stranger Calls, and Scream. Awards for honorable thespian go to John Saxon (Mitchell) and Margot Kidder (Superman: The Movie), who plays a drunken slut of a sorority sister even though she was clearly pushing 30 at the time. Also, Clark’s insistence on keeping the ambiguous, freaky ending for a movie that debuted on Dec. 20, 1974 shows just how large the man’s balls were. “Up yours happy holiday audiences and uptight studio execs.”

6. The Lion in Winter (Anthony Harvey, 1968)
They couldn’t throw enough Oscars at this recreation of James Goldman's play about Henry II and the ascension of the British throne, starring Peter O’toole and Katharine Hepburn. All the cat and mouse scheming for the crown on the part of Henry II’s three sons and his trophy wife Eleanor of Aquitane (a trophy for her lands, not cans), unfolds in the castle's frozen chambers on one long Christmas Eve. Douglas Slocombe's photographing of the Chinon exteriors during the grand arrival is the cinematic highlight of the movie. Slocombe also shot Polanski's Fearless Vampire Killers, which just barely missed my personal list of snowy favorites.

7. Love Actually (Richard Curtis, 2003)
Listen folks, I’m not too proud to slum it with the author of Brigdet Jones's Diary. If I want something that will cheer me up around the holidays, I’m going to look towards this mushy limey. A number of couples confront relationship woes and new loves emerge in a series of interrelated narratives around the Christmas holiday. The pretension and heavy-handedness sometimes associated with web-like narratives [read: Crash (2005)] are nowhere to be found. You're only going to get warm, rom-com hooks with this one.

8. The Magnificent Ambersons (Orson Welles, 1942)
Certainly not the most profound explanation for The Magnificent Ambersons glory (you know, up until RKO tacked-on an absurdly happy ending), but there’s a double nostalgia going on when I watch the film. My nostalgia for Welles' time and his experiences in the studio era, and Welles' nostalgia for the turn-of-the-century Midwest, down to the Gibson Girls and horse-drawn carriages. It should be added, the sleigh ride sequence gets a plus five for holiday spirit bolstering.

9. Fargo (Joel and Ethan Coen, 1996)
“So that was Mrs. Lundegaard on the floor in there. And I guess that was your accomplice in the wood chipper. And those three people in Brainerd. And for what? For a little bit of money. There's more to life than a little money, you know. Don't you know that? And here you are. And it's a beautiful day. Well, I just don't understand it.” Sure, this biting Coen Brothers movie is darker than all the films I’ve mentioned here in some respects, but this message, uttered by Marge, the pregnant police officer played by Frances McDormand, is so uncluttered and sublime that it perfectly encapsulates what the yuletide spirit ought to be, in my opinion. Gifts aren't cheap and neither is traveling, but that's nothing compared to the price you'll pay for not stopping to smell the Egg Nog (and summarily spiking it).

A few of these films aren’t necessarily Christmas movies, but each brilliantly captures some of the feelings associated with the holidays in one way or another: Cold, lonely, anxious, bloated, sick of the saccharine sweetness, and so forth. And if you'd argue that one of these films doesn't hold up in that regard, then it probably has snow in it or something, which means it totally counts as a Christmas movie.

-Brian Elza

*10 is for squares

The 31 Days of Xmas Clips: Day 23

One of cinema's weirder Christmas Carol moments is found in Scrooge (see Dec. 1 entry for more), which finds old Ebeneezer witnessing his potential fate in a cold hell.


- Phil Morehart

The 31 Days of Xmas Clips: Day 19

Decent Xmas-related clips from action spectacular Die Hard are hard to come by on the web.

However, the next best thing is available:

Die Hard 12: Die Hungry--an excellent parody from the tragically short-lived sketch series, The Ben Stiller Show.

Stiller is an excellent impersonator, which is odd considering that he plays the same character in every film now. Search out past clips of him skewering Tom Cruise and Bono for evidence of what he could (and should) be doing with his craft.


- Phil Morehart

The 31 Days of Xmas Clips: Day 18

Another of Facets' favorite Christmas parties can be found in Billy Wilder's 1954 WWII POW classic, Stalag 17, with Harry Archer's memorable tune, "I Love You," providing the soundtrack for the lonesome Joes' shindig.


- Phil Morehart

The 31 Days of Xmas Clips: Day 17

Sorry for the lull in activity, dear readers. The holidays have kept Facets Features in a tizzy busier than Governor Schwarzenegger in a toy store. We promise to pick up the pace in the coming days.


- Phil Morehart

The 31 Days of Xmas Clips: Day 14

The great Max Fleischer directed this beautiful, Technicolor cartoon version of the Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer tale from 1948.

That explains Santa Claus' Superman-stance in the final scene.


- Phil Morehart

Facets CineChat! Tonight!

Filmmakers Steve Connors and Molly Bingham will be at the Facets Cinematheque this weekend for CineChat Q&A sessions after the 7 & 9 pm screenings of their film, Meeting Resistance.

Meeting Resistance raises the veil of anonymity surrounding the Iraqi insurgency by meeting face-to-face with individuals who are passionately engaged in the struggle, and documenting for the very first time, the sentiments experienced and actions taken by a nation's citizens when their homeland is occupied.

Voices that have previously not been heard speak candidly about their motivations, hopes and goals, revealing a kaleidoscope of human perspectives. Featuring reflective, yet fervent conversations with active insurgents, Meeting Resistance is the missing puzzle piece in understanding the Iraq war.


"...offers a rare glimpse into the hearts and minds of those who have dedicated themselves to ridding Iraq of its invaders, captured by intrepid reporters who risked their lives at a time when fragile trust was still possible" (Variety)

"Nonjudgmental" (New York Times)

"Powerful, fascinating" (New Yorker)

"...journalism at its most noble. They got the other side of the story" (Washington Post)

"A rare opportunity" (TV Guide)

"An invaluable look into the hearts and minds of an unseen enemy" (Chicago Sun-Times)

Recommended! (Chicago Reader)


Meeting Resistance runs at the Facets Cinematheque from December 14 - 20. For complete screening times and more info, visit the Cinematheque here.

Facets Video Clearance Sale This Weekend!

We're cleaning our warehouse and offering thousands of new DVDs and new and used VHS tapes at incredibly low prices—-up to 90% off!

This will be your last chance to own rare, out-of-print titles, some marked as low as 49 cents! Quantities are limited. All sale final!

Dates:
Saturday, December 15, 10am – 4pm
Sunday, December 16, noon – 4pm

Location:
Facets Multi-Media Lobby
1517 W. Fullerton Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614

Street parking available. Easy access via public transportation.
For more information, call 773.281.9075.

The 31 Days of Xmas Clips: Day 13

After a lengthy intro, Judy Garland sings "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"--from musical master Vincente Minnelli's 1944 classic, Meet Me in St. Louis.

Judy was in her early twenties during production, but damn, she looks aged. Make-up artist Dorothy Ponedel shares some of the blame, but the daily intake of uppers, downers and everything else in-between played a bigger part, more likely.

Just say no, kids.

At least to the hard stuff.


- Phil Morehart

The 31 Days of Xmas Clips: Day 12

It's time to roll-out the Christmas musical numbers. I apologize in advance, but it's a necessity.

Let's get things started with the finale musical number from Michael Curtiz's 1954 holiday classic, White Christmas, featuring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen singing...well, you know what they're singing.


- Phil Morehart

The 31 Days of Xmas Clips: Day 11

The Nightmare Before Christmas is one of the better contemporary Christmas tales (the Halloween presence is to thank for that--come on, we all know it's THE holiday), but sadly the film is out-of-print on DVD.

Wise-up Disney! Release the Oogie.


- Phil Morehart

The 31 Days of Xmas Clips: Day 10

Let's stay in TV land for another Christmas clip, this one featuring comic genius Andy Kaufman on The Dating Game.


- Phil Morehart

The 31 Days of Xmas Clips: Day 9

Ahhh, the office holiday party--an annual event that morphs from innocent and fun to potentially dangerous as the booze flows and the inhibitions fly into the snow.

One of Facets' favorite office parties (besides our own) can be found in The Office Christmas Special, the UK series culmination that finds well-meaning boss from hell David Brent (Ricky Gervais) and staff cutting loose and holding nothing back in the name of Christmas, love and maybe a bit of drink.

What does Gareth get from his Secret Santa? Will Tim and Dawn finally get together? Watch and find out.

Warning: Spoilers. Obviously. And some curses.


- Phil Morehart

The 31 Days of Xmas Clips: Day 8

We've seen it before--the inner-city holiday hustle-bustle that introduces many Christmas films, but few do it better than the opening to The Bishop's Wife, a lighter-than-air, Wings of Desire distant cousin from 1947 that finds a less-than-perfect angel (Cary Grant) heading to Earth to help a troubled clergyman (David Niven) and falling for his neglected wife (Loretta Young) in the process.


- Phil Morehart

The 31 Days of Xmas Clips: Day 7

A botched Christmas Eve burglary plunges thief Dennis Leary into a dysfunctional family's holiday hell in Ted Demme's 1994 comedy, The Ref.

This dinner scene finds Judy Davis at her biting best. The Scandinavian headdresses are a nice touch, too, but probably not a good idea around some stiff 'nog.


- Phil Morehart

The 31 Days of Xmas Clips: Day 6

Since Chicago is in the grasp of Mr. Snowmiser at present, this clip from the Rankin/Bass 1974 classic, The Year Without a Santa Claus, is very appropriate.

Mr. Heatmiser, help us.


- Phil Morehart

The 31 Days of Xmas Clips: Day 5

"I better get them cha-cha heels."

Does young Dawn Davenport (played by the always incredible Divine) get her Christmas wish? Check out this clip from John Water's 1975 flick, Female Trouble, and find out.


- Phil Morehart

The 31 Days of Xmas Clips: Day 4

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus...and he's going to kill you.

Silent Night, Deadly Night (1984)


- Phil Morehart

The 31 Days of Xmas Clips: Day 3

"I know him!"



"You sit on a throne of lies."

Poor Buddy--it ain't easy being a big Elf.


- Phil Morehart

The 31 Days of Xmas Clips: Day 2

Alec Guinness' Marley may be creepy, but the depiction of the ghost in Zoran Janjic's animated version of A Christmas Carol (produced for Australia's Air Programs International in 1970) is scarier than hell.


- Phil Morehart

The 31 Days of Xmas (and Hanukkah) Clips

No, not 12.

31.

Since October's horror clips round-up was such a romp, we're giving December's festivities the same treatment. With all of the saccharine, musical, happy, sad and depressive cinematic depictions of the seasons, this should be an interesting line-up.

Let's go.

Ronald Neame's 1970 musical Scrooge is my favorite Christmas film for a variety of reasons, particularly Sir Alec Guinness' portrayal of the eternally damned ghost of Jacob Marley--the former business partner of Ebenezer Scrooge, finely played (but not necessarily finely sung) by Albert Finney.

Guinness' Marley is creepy--rattling chains, wails, and all--but, he also possesses a strange humor with his woozy, gliding-through-air gait and prissy mannerisms, all of which are on display further in the bizarre "Scrooge Goes to Hell" scene (which will be detailed further in the coming weeks).


- Phil Morehart