Reviews (49)

The Nazis come up with the "Final Solution" over lunch
"Conspiracy" is based on the original minutes of the Wannsee Conference held on January 20, 1942 in Berlin where the Nazi worked out "The Final Solution." The of this HBO production is something of a misdirection, because this hour long meeting that would result in the death of 6 million European Jews might have been secret, but it was not exactly clandestine. This is not a meeting where the participants made their plans in hushed whispers, but something that eerily smacks of a board meeting at a large company. These men were going to become mass murderers on a scale rarely seen in human history, but they seem more like bureaucrats than anything else, which is just another level of the horror involved here.

"Conspiracy" goes beyond the recreation of this infamous meeting for the 1984 documentary "The Wannsee Conference," both of which are based upon the lone surviving record of the gather of 15 Nazi officers head by General Reinhard Heydrich (Kenneth Branagh). Included in the group are Lt. Colonel Adolf Eichmann (Stanley Tucci) and Dr. Wilhelm Stuckart, Interior Ministry (Colin Firth), and within an hour they come up with their solution to the "Jewish question." However, this is a sense in "Conspiracy" that they are not so much debating what it to be done but being asked to sign on to the plan that Heydrich is revealing directly and indirectly throughout the meeting in his quest for "unanimity."

This time around the horror is in the details, as these men try to come up with the most efficient way of killing and disposing of that many people while one guy does the math. Given that we know what is going to happen what stands out are not those who cannot wait to start the killing as much as those who have "reservations." Stuckart, who wrote the Nuremberg codes, is aghast at what these new policies will mean for the rule of law in Nazi Germany, as the courts are filled with divorce cases separating Jewish and Aryan spouses. However, Struckart makes it clear he hates Jews as much as the next person at that table. Then there is Dr. Wilhelm Kritzinger (David Threlfall), Permanent Secretary of the Reich Chancellery, who obviously has misgivings on moral grounds, but ultimately can offer no more obstacle than a story, which serves as the final statement on the proceedings when related by Heydrich to Eichmann after the meeting.

The end of the film, where we are informed as to what happened to the participants, is particularly interesting. I was surprised how few of these 15 Nazis were actually executed for war crime. Several of them would die during the war while others would be imprisoned, but a surprising number were released for lack of evidence. I was also interested to find out exactly who failed to destroy their copy of the minutes, although there is nothing particularly insightful about the revalation beyond satisfying my curiosity. In terms of Holocaust films "Conspiracy" a footnote to the mass exterminations, but of interest for what it provide in terms of rare insights into what the Nazi bureaucracy was actually thinking as it launched the "Final Solution."

Stands up to its subject matter
An account of the Wannsee Conference, chaired by Reinhard Heydrich (Head of the Reich Security) on January 1942. This Conference was to be decisive in establishing the "Final Solution" - cause of the Holocaust. One copy of the proceedings was found by American investigators after WW2 and was made into two movies, "The Wannsee Conference" (a West German movie), and the American remake "Conspiracy".

Any movie where we watch people talking for 90 minutes stands or falls on acting quality. Kenneth Branagh, as Heydrich, is excellent - the texture of his role is slick and darkly pleasant. The other actors are efficient. The made-for-TV nature of the movie does become apparent in its low-budget production, but this kind of movie does not necessarily need a lot of fluff.

Watching nazi officers and officials discussing whenever half-Jews should be made infertile or killed is not an inherently desirable experience. But there are many things in life that are undesirable, but must be confronted.

Worth Watching
I had the opportunity of viewing Conspiracy during a Holocaust Education workshop for teachers. It is very accurate (from what I have read) and does show the inner-works of the Wansee Conference.

I believe that the film was either filmed on location or at a place that was very much similar to the Wannsee House. I had the opportunity to travel there this past summer with a group of teachers. I was struck by how much the movie prepared me to think about the house and it's importance in the creation and implementation of the "Final Solution". If you are thinking of showing it to students, you may need to explain to them how the conference was conducted and give them some background -- it has lots of dialogue and plenty of "under currents" that can be hard to follow if you are not familiar with the "power plays" that were going on at that table....lots of ego at that table. It is important to remember that many of these individuals were sent by the "major players" in the Nazi regime to attend the conference. By not attending the conference himself, Hitler and his administrative members could claim "plausable deniability" (so they thought) if anything were to go wrong with the plan. It is hard to believe that this beautiful house that is located on beautifully-decorated ground and of of a spectacular lake could have played such a major role in WWII. Chilling!

chilling and engaging
It is certainly true that this is not the most accurate of historical documents, but then any historian would tell you that all history is in the interpretation and so the movie is as useful as your interpretation. The performances are excellent, Branagh, in particular, is outstanding, he is every bit the portrayal of the chillingly pleasant monster. The message is powerful, the acting and direction cold, calm and calculated - within 1 hour the holocaust was decided upon; the moment where the topic of discussion is how many and how fast can they be culled? is particularly sickening.

From an historical perspective i found the following very interesting: Hitler based his party structure on a chaos theory in that he had simple overlapping functions, so that his subordinates would always be engaged in in-fighting, instead of challenging him. It worked remarkably well. Here, in motion, the director shows the in-fighting, but on this part of domestic policy (internal to the Reich, at any rate) the decision was swift and unanimous, Heydrich alone held the power. Utterly intriguing.

What may make this more interesting for anyone, might be to read Hannah Arendt's account of Eichmann's trial in Jerusalem, which is published by Penguin.

Haunting
The Holocaust is one of humanity's greatest tragedies, and its mention brings up images of swastikas, death camps, mass graves, and gas ovens. It's some thing you can't talk about easily, and can barely joke about unless you have no heart. This film is about the Holocaust, and while you may see a swastika arm-band and hear a few Heil Hitlers, you won't find any violence or harrowing images; this film is only rated R due to the use of the f bomb a few times. However, this film can be just as gut wrenching as any Holocaust movie you've seen, because it's all about the people who planned it...and the fact they were just as human as you and me.

The fate of eleven million European Jews was decided over a meal by several higher ups in the German government (although not Hitler). Led by Reinhard Heydrich (played brilliantly, as usual, by Kenneth Branagh) and his aide (play brilliantly, also as usual, by Stanley Tucci) as they explain the plan. They explain it so simply, as if they're building a house, and in a very intellegent manner. In fact, it has to be explained at some point in the conversation that "deportation" is just a fancy word for murder.

Many of those present do not agree with the methods, but not because they have sympathy for the Jews. One somber delegate thinks the Jews should be removed from common society, but that murder is too extreme. Another delegate objects to the plan...but only because he feels the procedures Heydrich draws up will contradict his already enforced anti-semite laws. In the end, it is revealed how it will be accomplished: by none other than the gas chambers of the concentration camps.

Like movies such as "My Dinner With Andre" or "12 Angry Men" this movie takes a storyline built entirely on dialogue and proves it can be fascinating. These are characters that joke about sterilizing a whole race as if the Jews were animals, and the lack of music through out the whole thing (except for the ending narration) adds a good level of realism. I found myself watching this movie three times after I had rented it to closely study how the different characters interacted and treated this serious issue.

If you are interested in World War II, German history, the Holocaust, or you just like drama, then you will enjoy this movie. Some may not be able to watch it because of the subject matter, but it is definately worth your time. These are not propoganda style Nazis, nor are they charicatures of Hitler, but they are just ordinary people. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Cable networks like Showtime are diving into risky material thatmainstream movie-makers shy away from--and Soldier's Girldemonstrates the payoff of such risks. Barry Winchell (Troy Garity,Barbershop), new to an infantry base in Tennessee, gets taken to anightclub for drag performers by an obnoxious fellow soldier, Fisher(Shawn Hatosy, Outside Providence). There he meets Calpernia (LeePace), a transgendered performer, and feels an immediate attraction. Butas Winchell's relationship with Calpernia develops, his relationship withthe repressed Fisher grows dangerous to his career in the military--andpossibly to his life. Based on a true story, Soldier's Girl tacklesits delicate subject matter directly but respectfully, with compassion andintelligence. Garity, Pace, and Hatosy all turn in compelling, complexperformances, steering clear of stereotypes. Director Frank Pierson(screenwriter of Dog Day Afternoon) skillfully avoids easy answersor obvious solutions and was deservedly nominated for an Emmy as a result.--Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (35)

Troy Garity is amazing!
Troy Garity is amazing in the real life role of Barry Winchell. This movie was a very moving movie and a very important movie. I first saw it on SHOWTIME the first time it aired, and it left me completely stunned, amazed, and crying. This movie was a excellent movie to make on the "Don't Ask Don't Tell" policy of the U.S. military. I now have it on DVD when I could have recorded it, but I needed to buy it to show my appreciation of the film. I am not and have never known a real life transgendered peson but this movie makes you understand that they exist and are people like you and me, and somebody like Troy Garity to do the role of the man who fell in love with a pre-op transexual was a great thing for him to do. I'm still upset that he didn't win the golden globe for this movie because he truly deserves it, and he is definately a talented and gifted actor. I know people may say he only became famous because of his family and mother (Jane Fonda), that couldn't be further from the truth, this man CAN act, and he does it brilliantly. This movie is an important one, and one that I hope you have the chance to see, well you have the chance order it now. Also, I want to mention I have shown this movie to at least eight people that I can think of... So you may and I am sure you will like and maybe even love this movie that was done so brilliantly by the whole cast and everyone involved. TROY GARITY IS A GREAT ACTOR!!!!!

Heart breaking, respectful and a MUST SEE!!!!
"Soldier's Girl" is an example of the important and well made movies that cable tv is capable of producing. This film, based on the murder of Barry Winchell, is a testament to good film making, good direction and incredible acting. This could have been a movie that focused on the sensationalism of the subject matter but the director made this into a respectful and heart breaking love story.

The story is about a young man based at Fort Cambell, Kentucky, and the harrassment he suffers from those in his barracks over a relationship he begins with a transgendered performer named Calpernia. After meeting her at a club in Nashville, Tennessee, the young private becomes smitten and falls in love, a decision that ultimately leads to his mistreatment by other soldiers and eventually his death.

Troy Garity gives a dignified performance and deserved the attention and the award nominations he received for this role. Lee Pace also does well in his role as Calpernia, the transgendered woman that Barry falls in love with. Shawn Hatosy plays Justin, the young man who sets all the tragic events in emotion. He is a disturbed young man, with a drinking and drug problem with prejudices that he cannot get past.

The dvd also features interviews with the actors as well as the real Calpernia and the mother of victim, Barry Winchell. The dvd is a good dvd overall but it is the film and its message of love and accepting people as they are that is the most important aspect you should take away from this movie. I highly recommend this film. I will be adding it to my dvd collection!

Truthful Oversight on Homosexuals in the Military
This movie is an eyeopener for all people gay or straight. The contents of the movie lets people understand the difficulties homoxesual people go through in life, not only with possibly denying who they really are, but also with the worries of being accepted by their peers. It shows that ignorance is amongst all people rather it be in the military or not. As a homosexual in the military this film helped me realize that being open can cause a lot of emotional and physical pain, however nobody should be scared to live a life that they feel is right. My mother has watched this film with me and agrees that it is difficult to understand why people can be so hateful to others just because they don't like the same things that we do. This film will open the eyes of anybody straight or gay that has any questions about the difficulties of being a homosexual in the military. The possibilities are hard, but the truth can be even harder.

Brutally Honest
Living in Nashville during the timeframe of these events, and having known Calpernia as a wonderful onstage presense, watching this fine movie is like going back in time. From the uncanny resemblence to the showbar at the "connection" in Nashville, the bar that was actually the background for most of the story, to the very real setting that is Fort Campbell, barracs and all. A SOLDIER'S GIRL is a very honest very real portrayal of actual events as they happened. Lee Pace's version of Calpernia is a little more direct that the real gal, but otherwise dead on. Troy Garity's performance is riviting as the soldier who found his perfect girl! This is as real as it gets!!
Highly recommended!!!

Great
I wouldnt call this a gay movie, but a tragedy movie. The violence is shocking but powerful. An excellent movie. Thankfully someone told the story. ... Read more

Reviews (7)

A review....and a correction to Amazon's listing
The subject of this movie seems very timely considering the modern McCarthyism currently being experienced.

James Woods plays the role of Roy Cohn to a "T", and the rest of the casting is equally wonderful. The movie begins with a brief view of Roy as a child, switches to 1984, when Cohn is dying of aids, and then presents a wonderful historic perspective of Cohn and McCarthy's "witch hunt" of the '50's. During these dramatizations, the movie shines. Unfortunately, it is slowed from time to time by the intrusion of scenes of Cohn on his deathbed, seeing visions of the people whose lives he decimated. This "fantasy" portion of the movie really drags down the historic portion of the film, and makes what could have been a great movie into a mediocre one.

As for the DVD...contrary to Amazon's posting, the movie is ANAMORPHIC WIDESCREEN. The picture is average, with grain rearing its ugly head on a regular basis.

Also, given that tops of heads disappear on occasion throughout the movie, one has to wonder if the widescreen was created by hard-matting of a full frame picture.

Despite the downfalls, I still would recommend the movie, if for no other reason than to inspire the viewer to delve more deeply into research on the subject of McCarthyism, Cohn, and McCarthy himself.

Imaginative look at Roy Cohn
When Wisconsin Senator Joseph McCarthy muscled his way onto a committee investigating communist subversives in the government, he brought along with him Roy Cohn. The son of a New York state judge and a brilliant lawyer in his own right, young Cohn saw McCarthy's committee as a way to increase his own social and political position. After all, this hotshot lawyer helped send the Rosenbergs to the electric chair, so a stint busting Reds in the government seemed a logical progression for him. After the collapse of McCarthyism and the subsequent waning of the Red Scare, Roy moved into a private legal practice in New York. Many considered this lawyer one of the most brilliant legal minds in the country, and Cohn got plenty of work in high profile divorce cases and even worked with members of the Mafia on occasion. Roy Cohn died in 1986, a disbarred lawyer reduced to a shattered husk of the dealmaker he once was. HBO thought Roy Cohn an intriguing enough character to fund this shrill 1992 effort starring the venerable James Woods as "Citizen Cohn."

The movie tells us that young Cohn quickly fell under the spell of his overbearing mother, an unnaturally close relationship that would last as long as she lived. Roy's father, a liberal judge with the firm idea that "what's right never changes," soon comes to despise his overly ambitious son and his morally suspect ways. After assisting in the conviction of the Rosenbergs, Cohn ingratiates himself with McCarthy in order to serve as the junior senator's chief counsel and personal attack dog. Moreover, Roy tells McCarthy that making Bobby Kennedy chief counsel for the committee (yes, RFK did a stint with McCarthy) could raise ugly charges of anti-Semitism because most of the men called in to testify are Jews. McCarthy soon regrets his decision as Cohn quickly takes over by grabbing the spotlight and developing most of the cases. The new chief counsel even insists on hiring G. David Shine, a hotel heir who doesn't know a thing about how to conduct a proper witch-hunt. It isn't any time at all before Cohn threatens people like Dashiell Hammett and the engineers working for the Voice of America in a shameful series of interrogations resulting in wrecked careers and ruined lives. When the United States Army drafts Shine, Cohn launches a personal vendetta against the Department of the Army. His goal is to procure an assignment for Shine on the committee, but the Army sees things differently. The military recorded dozens of threats Roy made against them and threaten to release them to the media if McCarthy and Cohn refuse to back off. The case does go to committee and the Army's attorney, Joseph Welch, publicly destroys the Wisconsin senator.

The rest of the film shows Roy in his post-McCarthy days: the endless deal making, the unethical behavior, and his closely guarded double life. We see Cohn attempting to work with J. Edgar Hoover to bring down the hated Bobby Kennedy, now the Attorney General of the United States and a man with a personal vendetta against the former McCarthy acolyte. There is a trial where the government brings a host of charges against Roy and cannot make them stick. We see how Cohn accepts money from people as "loans" and then promptly claims that these loans were "gifts." Through it all, no one can ever touch Roy Cohn; he is "the gingerbread boy," a blazing comet that threatens to destroy anyone who stands in his way. His amazement that no one stops him from lying, cheating, stealing, and intimidating people only serves to make him more obnoxious. No one tells Roy Cohn no, and he knows it.

The narrative technique used to tell his story is through flashback, as the ghosts of those Roy once terrorized visit him as he lies dying in a hospital room. These are not happy spirits: Ethel Rosenberg makes an appearance sneering and jeering at Cohn for convicting her of treason. She even charges that Roy did it because of her ethnicity, a claim Cohn rejects when he says he did it for the headlines. Some of these visits are slightly humorous, such as the revenant of Joseph Welch saying, "Have you no sense of mortality, sir, at long last? They need the room." Seeing Roy's mother show up and complain about her son dumping her ashes in the East River is worth a chuckle or two as well.

James Woods does his usual bang up job as the abrasive Roy Cohn and Joe Don Baker bumbles and harrumphs his way through the role of Joe McCarthy. These are the two stand out actors in the film, as the other characters necessarily come and go quickly in an effort to fit as much of Cohn's life into the picture as possible. Even then much of Roy's life is missing. The later sections of the film skip as many as ten years in order spend more time with the McCarthy hearings. While I recognize a screenwriter is going to focus on the Red Scare more than anything else because of the Hollywood Ten and all that stuff, that is no excuse to engage in the type of rampant rumor seen here. J. Edgar Hoover, Francis Cardinal Spellman, and G. David Shine are the targets of the wildest speculations. I guess it is easier to make these brazen charges against people when they are dead than it is when they are alive. Still, despite the historical tightrope "Citizen Cohn" teeters on, watching James Woods in yet another frothing at the mouth performance always pays off in the end.

A riveting movie
I don't know who they were giving oscars to in the year this movie came out but (as always) they fail to give them to the movie or the actors which deserve them and James Woods and the citisen Cohn sure deserved some oscar recognition for this masterpiece

For history buffs such as myself this movie is one of those you can watch again and again

5 stars out of 5

Decent, James Woods is awesome
The wonderful story of Roy Chon, friend and sometime lover of Hoover, died of AIDS. The movie was a little sketchy. It tried to seem dramatic and important but in the end the only thing this one has going for it is James Woods superior acting. Four stars just because Woods is in it.

McCarthy's right hand man
James Woods gives a riveting performance of Roy Cohn, the lawyer at the center of the US communist witch hunts of the early 1950s. The spoiled brat and closet gay on whom Joe McCarthy so naively relied is shown in a series of flashbacks from his hospital bed in the 1980s. The pace is fast with characters such as Bobby Kennedy, Walter Winchell and Ethel Rosenberg popping up here and there to shed light on Cohn's selfish character. Cohn's habit of helping himself at meals to other people's plates, notably Cardinal Spellman's, sums him up precisely. Naturally, there are moot points. There is, for example, no real evidence Cohn was David Schine's lover and Cohn's relationship with his father was more complex than the comtempt shown in the movie. No matter. Cohn's ability to ruin other people whilst serving his own career and bank balance is succinctly portrayed in an excellently written script. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Boring travesty of Le Carre's work.
I love Le Carre and was looking forward to this film. But what a mess! The plot is a mishmash -- after about an hour I no longer cared what might happen to the protagonists. Excellent actors like Ralph Richardson and Anthony Hopkins are wasted in secondary roles. Other reviewers say that this movie was edited to death and I believe it. Save your money. Maybe they'll release Spy Who Came In From The Cold on DVD some day.

Could have been . . . .
This movie was edited to death and dullness. Crucial scenes were obviously cut which threw the plot out of joint and into inaction. It could have been, and probably was before editing, a dandy cold war spy flic. It is worth three stars for historical value.

Cold War performance from Christopher Jones
This is an excellent cold war film competently acted, well scripted and neatly directed. It is a superb adaptation of John Le Carré's best-selling novel. Paranoia runs rampant here. Christopher Jones is brilliant as the civilian turned spy. Christopher Jones should have gone on to greater things. His pinnacle as an actor came in David Lean's epic "RYAN'S DAUGHTER." Anthony Hopkins and Ralph Richardson are also featured.

Good Acting
Looking Glass War gets you hooked the minute beutiful Christopher Jones comes on screen. Fortunately he's in almost every scene! He is not only more beautiful than his co star (Pia Degermark) but he is also excellant in the role. He is really American but his Polish accent is flawless. Movie has some exciting moments & intrigue. Worth watching if only for Jones' performance & a bit w/Anthony Hopkins.

Classic British Cold War Fare
What does a classic cold war movie need? To my mind, a shot of the West End of London, some cynical, dead-pan British spies, a plot from a Le Carre novel and a few shots of Eastern Europe (probably filmed in Essex or some such place). Add a dashing youngster to offset the cynics and, of course, a nasty ending leaving little room for faith in human nature. You have a classic.

If you like Harry Palmer of the Ipcress File, Funeral in Berlin and the Billion Dollar Brain, chances are you'll love this. If you are a James Bond fan, maybe not. This is for the lover of the anti-hero spy rather than the dashing secret agent.

Two thumbs up as far as I'm concerned. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Harry S. Truman had a hard row to hoe as the 33rd president and he never enjoyed popularity while in office. Think about what occurred on Truman's watch: the bombing of Hiroshima, a nationwide railroad strike, the rise of the Southern States' Rights Party, integration of the armed forces, the ascendancy of McCarthyism, the early cold war, and finally the Korean Conflict and Truman's decision to fire General MacArthur. Few American presidents have been faced with more difficult and dangerous times than Truman. It wasn't until some 50 years later that Harry Truman, a farmer from Missouri, got his due appreciation in the history books.Truman follows the man from his beginnings as an artillery officer in WWI through his connections with Missouri's Pendergast political machine and onward to Washington.The always-excellent Gary Sinise is a perfect fit for the Truman character, having obviously studied the President's plainspoken Missouri twang and ramrod-straight bearing at great length.Diana Scarwid is also very good as Truman's long-suffering wife Bess; the film studies the relationship between the two in some depth, and also sheds light on the men who surrounded Truman in Washington. Truman's chief failing is that in its effort to detail 40 years of the man's life, certain historical events are given short shrift in order to fit them all in.Nonetheless, Sinise inhabits the character well; the scene where the President ruminates on dining alone in the White House (while Bess is back in Missouri) is a great, understated comment on the loneliness, isolation, and stress of the job. --Jerry Renshaw ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Sinise is Brillant!
I have watched this movie many times and have always felt better for it. I have always had a great respect for President Truman. Mr.Sinise's performance was heart-warming & captivating. He brought the essence of the character to life. The movie transports the viewer to his time and does not let go until the end (which, I found myself wanting to know more of the Trumans, post-White House). Diana Scarwid's portrayal of Bess Truman conveyed that the man who made some very tough calls in a nation's darkest hours had a woman of steel behind him. He made decisions that were unpopular and yet necessary. "War is Hell". Our 33rd President did what he felt was right at the time. He is in my estimation one of the most under-appreciated US Presidents and important historical figures of the 20th Century.

WHO SAYS HISTORY ISN'T INTERESTING!
Film biography is very ticky business. Directors are often tempted to to make their subjects out to be over the top martyrs, or self- importent gods. Frank Pierson avoids that trap in this wonderful look at our 33rd president, Harry S. Truman. The Truman we see here, as brought to us by the always wonderful Gary Sinise, is a very flawed human being. He's not sure of everything, and he makes his share of mistakes. However, he is also an honest, inteligent man, who works hard to help our country, and becomes one of our greatest presidents.Pierson's attempt to make such an honest movie is commendable, as is his wonderful recreation of America in the first half of this century. Rural Missouri in the 1920's and Washington D.C. in the 1940's are brought to us effortlessly. It is a delight to see such informative and interesting portrayals of great men like Harry Truman coming out in recent years. It is importent that we as Americans know about the great men who have served our country, and what better a way then through the movies?

Gary Sinise does it again!
This DVD stars Gary Sinise as Harry S. Truman and covers his life from when he is a farmer, through marrying Bess, up until the time he leaves the White House. Gary is terrific as usual and when he gets going as the older Truman on the campaign trail, he is dynamic. Also stars Diana Scarwid as Bess, who is usually in campy movies such as playing Christina Crawford in Mommie Dearest, but she is also very endearing as Mrs. Truman. There are some very cute points, especially when the Truman's move into the White House, the "first house they have ever had alone" and Mrs. Truman comments about how dirty it is! Not to be missed! One minor flaw - there are NO special features on this DVD.

One Small Complaint...
The wardrobe researchers should have paid more attention to the military uniforms worn by the real-life personages herein portrayed, particularly Gens. Marshall and MacArthur. Aside from that, this is an interesting movie condensation that should prompt viewers into reading more biographical information about Harry Truman. He and Sam Rayburn appear to have been the last two honest and honorable Democrats who ever drew breath.

excellent
this movie was a great portrayal of a man who was a good leader thru difficult times,it seems like the presidents before and after had a difficult time, but not like harry truman. his decission to fire general macarthur, was probably
the worst decision he made, but generally his difficult decisions were for the best interest of the people he served ... Read more

Amazon.com

Following vaguely in the footsteps of The People vs. Larry Flint, Dirty Pictures is a provocative retelling of an all-too-true story about the 1990 attempts to censor the Cincinnati Contemporary Arts Center's controversial Robert Mapplethorpe photography exhibit. The film gets directly at a quintessential, core principle that continues to fascinate Americans: Who gets to decide what forms of expression are valid? Does the constitutional right to freedom of expression apply to forms of expression you don't like? This film blends stock footage of both sides of the Cincinnati debate with actors' reenactments. James Woods's performance as the art museum's director Dennis Barrie is particularly impressive. The juxtaposition of real and fictional footage is extremely effective, and the result is a compellingly intelligent and emotionally gripping look at the issues of right-wing censorship in the arts.

The film contains images of Mapplethorpe's work and interpretations of its contexts and histories as well as insightful interviews with some of the subjects whose photos appeared in the original exhibit. But the art takes a back seat to the true hero of the film--the U.S. Constitution and its defenders. --Tara Chace ... Read more

Reviews (7)

Important movie
This is one of James Woods' best performances. I was also happy to see Diana Scarwid again. I've been a fan since "Mommie Dearest". This film was half movie and half documentary. Interviews and opinions of the people involved were shown. I gave four stars instead of five because even though it is definitely worth seeing, it seemed to get repetitive and long. Also interesting is that all the people who didn't like the photos were all over 70 (big surprise) and still believe gay people have cooties. So there was bias there, for sure. Good movie.

Following in the footsteps of The People vs. Larry Flint?
Dirty pictures in no way follows in the foot steps of The People vs. Larry Flint. This movie is primarily from the perspective of a midwest gallery curator who had brought in a touring exhibit of Robert Mapplethorpe's work. The movie is interlaced with interviews of people who had worked with or had known Mapplethorpe as well as images of his photographic works.

This is an Excellent purchase that raises questions in the mind of the veiwer. It is entertaining and to an extent educational on the art of Mapplethorpe, constitutional rights, and how people judge art based on "Their Values and Tastes."

JAMES WOODS AT HIS BEST IN FIGHT AGAINST CENSORSHIP
This is an excellent made-for-television documentary drama that presents the true life story of local and national efforts by religious and political right wingers to suppress offensive art in Cincinatti during 1989-1990. The art is by photographer Robert Maplethorpe. James Woods (Dennis Barrie, the curator of Cincinnati's largest museum) is arrested for promoting obscenity and pornography. This follows his booking a Robert Mapplethorpe exhibit in Cincinatti which had already stirred up controversy elsewhere in the nation. Diana Scarwid plays Barrie's wife Dianne so well that the two actors are natural and engaging, making it kind of enjoyable to hang out with them. Most of the film focuses on the obscenity/pornography trial ... with the zealous sheriff Simon Leiss played by Craig T. Nelson, prosecutor and the biased judge doing their best to get the jury to convict Barrie.

Making the movie more interesting is the actual footage of Jesse Helms, William F. Buckley, Jr. and Patrick Buchanan lambasting Maplethorpe's work and those who dare to publicly display it. These additions add a frightening reality edge to the story. This is balanced by comments on personal freedom and free expression by Barney Frank, Salman Rushdie and author and Fran Liebowitz. Similar cameo appearances are made by celebrities like Susan Sarandon who personally knew and was photographed by Maplethorpe, as were her son and daughter.

This is very worthwhile entertainment which informs as it delights. In particular, James Woods fans will love his performance as the smart, edgy museum director trying to save himself and his family from the hell fire and brimstone brought down on them by selfrighteous and predatory political moralists. The film is definitely worth seeing.

Matt North is awsome! :)
I recently saw the movie about 6 times. I went to high school with Matt North. We were in band together. He's a very, very talented actor!! :) I know he'll continue to be successful in show business.

dirty picture dvd
sorry for give me i have got no panty of time , to write to you put in short ,i am reseacher also i am interst for many area and many field of researches. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Predictable Hollywood morality tale
The same, old, tired leftish cliche: evil, corrupt police and prison officials, noble (and, of course, actually innocent) death-row murderer -- you get the picture. This type of political advocacy will only appeal to those of a similar mind-set. I found it tiresome.

Riveting!
Oscar nominee Roy Scheider stars in this suspense thriller written by photojournalist Doug Magee, inspired by his interviews with and photos of death-row prisoners. Convicted of killing police officer Jack McGrath in a Florida swamp seven years ago, small-time drug dealer Ray Eames (Howard) hires burned-out photographer Paul Marish (Scheider) to shoot his execution. Bonnie Bedelia is McGrath''s widow, Hannah, who reluctantly helps Marish try to uncover new evidence that may save Ray from the electric chair after the execution is postponed. Directed by Oscar-winning screenwriter Frank Pierson, this riveting made-for-cable drama also features Andre Braugher and Robert Carradine.

Art or Reality?
I can't really objectively comment on this film, because I was a member of the cast. I played Dr. Miliken. It is, however, one of the few films I've worked on that I take pride in being associated with. It's the closest to an actual execution that I hope to ever witness. Although we were on a set at Universal Studios, there was an ambiance of reality that permeated the atmosphere making us all feel uncomfortable, as though we were actually in the presence of the mechanisms and structures that state governments use to take human life. It was an awesome experience and, I hope, an important film for us all to seriously ponder. By the way, the actor that Rhonda2 refers to above is Arliss Howard. And she is absolutely correct -- Arliss is remarkably good at his craft.

The very best movie I've seen, and I've seen them all!
I can't recall ever seeing a movie so moving. The actor who played the inmate on death row was like someone everyone knows the guy next door. His eyes are the deepest I've ever seen. It was like you are there. The opinion of death sentences could certainly be swayed if everyone were to watch this. It becomes very personal in the way a person views thier own life and the way they look at others. ... Read more

Reviews (30)

A remake of a remake
This film makes me recall a rather infamous episode of my life. I wanted to take a date to see "Rocky" in the theater, but she insisted on seeing this movie instead. Just like my date, this picture turned out to be a dud. Because it's loosely based on two previous releases of the same title (one starring Frederic March and Janet Gaynor; the other featuring Judy Garland and James Mason), the plot is uninspired and predictable. As for acting, both Streisand and Kristofferson should stay in the recording studio. The only redeeming feature of this film is Streisand's performance of her hit song "Evergreen".

A STAR IS BORN BARBARA STRIESAND
THE MOVIE WAS AN EXCELLENT MOVIE AND RECIEVED ALL KIND OF AWARDS.IT IS A CLASSIC AND SHOULD BE AVAIABLE ON DVD.BARBARA STRIESAND AND KRIS KRISTOFFERSON ARE LEGENDS OF THEIR DAY AND I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO OWN THE MOVIE FOR MY BARBARA COLLECTION.I CAN'T BELIEVE IT'S NOT AVAIABLE.IF IT COMES OUT PLEASE EMAIL ME.

"I want everything..."
A blockbuster at the time of it's original release (it was the second-highest grossing film of 1976), the third screen version of A STAR IS BORN has not aged well in the opinion of many. It's not without some irony that Streisand's most commercially successful film would also remain her most controversial. For every ten fans who state that STAR is Streisand's best film, there are always ten more who claim it is the weakest film in her filmography. Actually, though both sides have plenty merit to support their claims, it should still be noted that A STAR IS BORN remains a entertaining - if imperfect - showbiz drama.

The film is solidly enjoyable, even absorbing at times, but there are several obstacles that prevent it from really hitting it's intended bull's-eye. Changing the setting from the old Hollywood studio system to the competitive world of the music industry was actually a great idea, although I wished the screenplay would have forged a more realistic contrast between the characters' romance and their careers. For example, the film is very successful at this in the first hour and last half-hour (i.e., clashing personal and professional difficulties during recording sessions, never-ending phone calls interrupting Kristofferson's songwriting attempts), however, the midsection of film seems to completely forget about their careers while they're out building their ranch house. This is particularly odd considering that Streisand's "star-making" concert appearance immediately proceeds this, and seems to go completely forgotten about throughout this section of the film.

The performances are mostly on target, even though the supporting characters aren't fleshed out enough. If you're looking for an actress/singer who can walk the fine line between tough and vulnerable without making herself seem like a script contrivance, Streisand is definitely the girl you want. She's one of the few film stars who can make even the most banal dialogue seem fresh and natural, and, as usual, she manages to make a strong emotional connection with the viewer - even though she's actually playing somewhat of an unlikable, ungrateful character. Kris Kristofferson may not get much respect now for his laid-back characterization, however, he's always interesting watch, and actually received rave reviews at the time from "Newsweek," "Time," and even the "NY Times'" usually vicious Pauline Kael. Gary Busey and Oliver Clark also give believable performances, but both have a fairly minimal amount of screentime.

Which that brings me to the film's biggest problem: For a film that is nearly two-and-a-half hours long, it really doesn't feel like much happens. Frank Pierson's acceptable, but rather flat direction may be mostly responsible for this, but perhaps some tighter editing would have also improved things. As is, the film has a good amount of memorably effective scenes, but never really gels into a consistent whole. The same goes for the film's slate of original songs, there're all over the map. The Streisand-composed "Evergreen" (with lyrics from Paul Williams) is unarguably one of the most gorgeous songs in contemporary pop, brought to even-further life by an absolutely incomparable vocal performance from Streisand. The rest of the songs (mostly composed by Williams and Rupert Holmes) are much more hit-or-miss. Streisand's vibrant performances bring "Woman In The Moon" and "With One More Look At You" to life, but not much can help Kristofferson's tuneless solos.

With all of that said, however, the film is still a lot of fun, especially as a timecapsle. All the fashions, decor, and hair styles are more "seventies" then the seventies ever were - if that makes sense. On a less frivolous note, the chemistry between the leads always feels genuine, and Streisand has two emotional scenes near the finale that are both surprisingly affective. Also, the film is slickly and professionally produced and mounted, which means that, if nothing else, it's always good eye-candy while it's playing. In conclusion, A STAR IS BORN is one of those films that really isn't as bad nor as good as most people claim it is.

Sweet Childhood Memories
I remember my mom watching this movie when I was a child. She would watch it every chance that she got to. She was a big Barbra Striesand fan anyway & has made me one too. I love this movie still to this day & it will always continue to be an all-time favorite. Every time that I see it - it always bring back such nice memories from being a child. I can't wait for it come out on DVD!!!!

It's Ok!
Barbra Streisand's and Kris Krisofferson's remake of A Star is Born was in the theaters when I was eleven years old and I remember my mother who is a big Kris Kristofferson fan going to see it. I didn't get to go see it in the movie theater but I remember watching this movie when it first premeired on HBO and though it's not either Barbra's or Kris' best movies I don't think it was the worst movie ever made and had it's moments. Not a movie I would want to buy on video or DVD but it would be fun to watch again at least one time. ... Read more