Bob le Flambeur / Bob the Gambler

Jean-Pierre Melville: Bob le Flambeur / Bob the Gambler (FR 1955). Isabelle Corey (Anne). Roger Duchesne (Bob le Flambeur).

092722 / 12 / FR / 1955 / Melville, Jean-Pierre / thriller

PC: O.G.C.; Productions Jenner; Play Art; La Cyme. P+D+PD+commentary: Jean-Pierre Melville. SC: Jean-Pierre Melville, Auguste Le Breton. DP: Henri Decaë. M: Eddie Barclay, Jean Boyer. CAST: Roger Duchesne (Bob le Flambeur), Isabelle Corey (Anne), Daniel Cauchy (Paulo), Guy Decomble (the police lieutenant), André Garret (Roger). 100’. B&w Academy. Visa de contrôle 13244. 16 mm print with English subtitles courtesy Centre Culturel Français (Helsinki) / Ministère des affaires étrangères (France). Viewed in Helsinki, SEA, Cinema Orion, Tuesday 17 February 1998. **** An offbeat gangster story of the gambler who gets on a lucky streak and forgets that he was about to rob the casino. Poor print makes it impossible to enjoy the visuals.

Jean-Pierre Melville credited as Melville.

Phantom Lady

025966 / 16 / US / 1944 / Siodmak, Robert / thriller
Phantom Lady / Aavenainen. © Universal. P: Joan Harrison. D: Robert Siodmak. SC: Bernard C. Schoenfeld - based on the novel by William Irish [= Cornell Woolrich] (1942). DP: Elwood Bredell. CAST: Ella Raines (Carol Richman, ”Kansas”), Franchot Tone (Jack Marlow), Alan Curtis (Scott Henderson), Aurora Miranda (Estela Monteiro). 87’. B&w Academy. MPAA Seal of Approval 9827. An NFTVA print. Viewed in Helsinki, SEA, Cinema Orion, Tuesday 17 February 1998. **** This time I enjoy the light touch of the thriller, and the charming portrayal of Ella Raines as the detective-as-decoy. The villainy of Franchot Tone is rather overdone. Many characters are unbelievable, but then this is a dream film. The drum ecstacy of Elisha J. Cook, Jr. is still the highlight.

Seven Years In Tibet

100609 / 12 / US/GB / 1997 / Annaud, Jean-Jacques / drama
Seven Years In Tibet / Seitsemän vuotta Tiibetissä. © Mandalay Entertainment. P+D: Jean-Jacques Annaud. SC: Becky Johnston - based on the book by Heinrich Harrer. DP: Robert Fraisse, Allen Smith, David Breashears, Dominique Gentil. M: Budd Carr - compilation of authentic Tibetan chants. CAST: Brad Pitt (Heinrich Harrer), David Thewlis (Peter Aufschnaiter), B.D. Wong (Ngawang Jigme). 136’ scope. MPAA 35080. PG-13. BBFC: PG. Sweden: 11. Finnish / Swedish subtitles: Timo Porri, Eirik Udd. DIST: Columbia TriStar Egmont Finland. Viewed in Helsinki, VET, Tuesday 17 February 1998. ** Marvellous scenery and music, and little else.

Austin Powers International Man Of Mystery

V-03475 / 12 / US / 1997 / Roach, Jay / / comedy
Austin Powers International Man Of Mystery / Austin Powers - kumma jätkä. © New Line Productions. D: Jay Roach. SC: Mike Myers. Music selections include: ”Soul Bossa Nova” (Quincy Jones), ”Incense and Peppermints” (Strawberry Alarm Clock), ”What The World Needs Now Is Love” (Burt Bacharach). CAST: Mike Myers (Austin Powers / Dr. Evil), Elizabeth Hurley (Vanessa Kensington), Michael York (Basil Exposition). 95’ scope. MPAA 34834. PG-13. BBFC: 15. DIST: Egmont Entertainment Finland. VHS projection of a cropped-to-full-frame PAL version in Helsinki, VET, Monday 16 February 1998. **** The best recent comedy together with Beavis and Butthead Do America. A James Bond spoof produced, written and performed by Mike Myers in dual role: as the super agent Austin Powers - and as his own nemesis, Dr. Evil, who is like Ernst Stavro Blofeld’s twin brother. They have both been deep-frozen in 1967 and have now a hard time adapting to 1997. Dr. Evil’s ransom threats are ridiculously small, and the swinging Austin Powers has to turn monogamous to have any impact on today’s women. The music, the colour, and the choreography are all perfectly in style.

Pornographic videos 13 February 1998

Anales Stöpseln
100607 / 18 / DE / 1998 / / / pornography
Anales Stöpseln. © Cherry Video Production (Wiesbaden). CAST: Kelly, Sean Michaels, Alyssa, Cocoanut, Petra Georgia. 139’ /25 fps/ PAL. GÜFA: 18. DIST: Tammerpori Oy. VHS projection in Helsinki, VET, Friday 13 February 1998.

Anale Video Jungfrauen 4
100608 / 18 / DE / 1998 / / / pornography
Anale Video Jungfrauen 4. © Cherry Video Production (Wiesbaden). CAST: Katie, Bella, Delfin, Kimi, Seduction. 88’ /25 fps/ PAL. GÜFA: 18. DIST: Tammerpori Oy. VHS projection in Helsinki, VET, Friday 13 February 1998.

Schwarze Wasserwacht
100609 / 18 / DE / 1998 / / / pornography
Schwarze Wasserwacht. © Cherry Video Production (Wiesbaden). D: Cool Breeze G. CAST: Naomi, Lil’Ass, Sirena Lewis, Menage, Chardonnay, Carmel. 90’ /25 fps/ PAL. GÜFA: 18. DIST: Tammerpori Oy. VHS projection in Helsinki, VET, Friday 13 February 1998.

Mr. Peeper’s Nastiest
100610 / 18 / US / 1995 / / / pornography
Mr. Peeper’s Nastiest / Spanner in Aktion 3 - Peepshow Total ohne Tabus und Moral. © L.B.O. Entertainment Group. A Staviss release in Germany. D: Steve Norris. CAST: Cindi Mint, Mao, Isis Nile, Marilyn Martin, Tobianna, Sierra. 101’ /25 fps/ PAL. GÜFA: 18. Dubbed in German. DIST: Tammerpori Oy. VHS projection in Helsinki, VET, Friday 13 February 1998.

Eruption 3 - Hart und unerbittlich
100611 / 18 / DE / 1994 / / / pornography
Eruption 3 - Hart und unerbittlich / Eruption hart und unerbittlich 3. © The Hardcore Collection. A Staviss release in Germany. CAST: Veronica Lake, Tami Monroe, Paige. 108’ /25 fps/ PAL. GÜFA: 18. In German. DIST: Tammerpori Oy. VHS projection in Helsinki, VET, Friday 13 February 1998.

Hausfrauen 13 - Geiler Haushalt, geiler Feger
100612 / 18 / DE / 1998 / / / pornography
Hausfrauen 13 - Geiler Haushalt, geiler Feger / Dorian McGray Casting Club 40 - Hausfrauen 13. © Dorian McGray Entertainment. D: Weber & Weber. CAST: Monika, Cecile, Susi, Linda. 168’ /25 fps/ PAL. GÜFA: 18. Deutsche Bearbeitung. DIST: Tammerpori Oy. VHS projection in Helsinki, VET, Friday 13 February 1998.

Pissparade Trailer
100613 / 18 / DE / 1998 / / / pornography
Pissparade Trailer. © ZBF / Viola. 84’ /25 fps/ PAL. GÜFA: 18. DIST: Tammerpori Oy. VHS projection in Helsinki, VET, Friday 13 February 1998. A trailer compilation about drinking urine.

Trial and Error

Jonathan Lynn: Trial and Error (US 1997). Michael Richards (Richard Rietti), Jeff Daniels (Charles Tuttle), Charlize Theron (Billie Tyler).

100603 / G / US / 1997 / Lynn, Jonathan / / comedy

Trial and Error / Nuijalle töitä / Rätt och galet. © New Line Productions. D: Jonathan Lynn. SC: Sara Bernstein, Gregory Bernstein. Music selections include ”All The Time In The World” by The Subdudes. CAST: Michael Richards, Jeff Daniels, Charlize Theron, Jessica Steen. Scope. MPAA 34701. PG-13. BBFC: 12. DIST: Warner Bros. Finland. Viewed in Helsinki, VET, Friday 13 February 1998. *** ”A trial for the viewer and an error for all those involved”, states the Sight & Sound reviewer. While not as funny as My Cousin Vinny, this one still makes one laugh several times. The Seinfeld regular Michael Richards is the bad actor who has to pose as the ace lawyer while Jeff Daniels is recovering from a hangover. - One of the best Finnish titles for a foreign movie, replacing an untranslatable wordplay for another untranslatable wordplay.

Quand tu liras cette lettre... / When You Read This Letter

Jean-Pierre Melville: Quand tu liras cette lettre... / When You Read This Letter (FR 1953) starring Juliette Gréco.

/ / FR / 1953 / Melville, Jean-Pierre / thriller

”Quand tu liras cette lettre…” [title on the movie]. PC: Jad Films; S.G.C.; Titanus. D: Jean-Pierre Melville. DP: Henri Alekan. CAST: Juliette Gréco, Philippe Lemaire, Daniel Cauchy, Irène Galter, Yvonne Sanson. B&w Academy. 104’ according to sources. The screening ran 106’. Visa de censure 13722. Finnish earphone translation by Leena Talvio. Viewed in Helsinki, SEA, Orion, Thursday 12 February 1998. *** A fine melancholy thriller with which Melville wanted to demonstrate that he can direct a regular commercial film. The screenplay is nothing special, but the Melville-Alekan collaboration creates several visually exquisite passages about solitude, very much like the ones by Antonioni and Bresson in the following years.

Lethal Weapon (1998 dvd, first dvd rating in Finland)

Richard Donner: Lethal Weapon (US 1987). Mel Gibson (Martin Riggs), Danny Glover (Roger Murtaugh). 

T-094840 / 16 / US / 1987 / Donner, Richard / thriller / action

Tappava ase / Dödligt vapen. US © 1987 Warner Bros. P: Richard Donner, Joel Silver. D: Richard Donner. SC: Shane Black. M: Michael Kamen, Eric Clapton. CAST: Mel Gibson (Martin Riggs), Danny Glover (Roger Murtaugh), Gary Busey. 110’. Scope. DVD widescreen (US standard compatible to 24 fps) viewed on a widescreen monitor in Helsinki, at Warner Home Video Finland, on Thursday 12 February 1998. *** The first DVD examination in the history of Finland. The DVD truly makes a difference. Not only superior to VHS, it also has a stronger impact than the laserdisc. It is evident in the night scenes where a lot of detail is visible. But most importantly it has a deeper effect on the mind: the images have more staying power than the more shallow VHS images. As for the sound, I can’t find any difference, since the VHS soundtrack has reached the CD standard many years ago.

Mousehunt

100602 / 8 / 5 / US / 1997 / Verbinski, Gore / / comedy
Mousehunt [title on the movie] / Mouse Hunt [title in print ads] / Hiiri jota ei saatu hengiltä. © DreamWorks. D: Gore Verbinski. SC: Adam Rifkin. Animatronic mice by Stan Winston. CAST: Nathan Lane, Lee Evans, Vicki Lewis. 1,85. MPAA 35725. Rated PG. Finnish / Swedish subtitles by Timo Porri / Janne Staffans. DIST: UIP Finland. Viewed in Helsinki, VET, Thursday 12 February 1998. ** Strained farce mixes choice ingredients over-zealously, spoiling all the flavour. It is easy to copy, it’s easy to overdo. It’s difficult to strike the balance to create true fun.

Az örvény / Free Fall - Private Hungary Part 10

/ / HU / 1996 / Forgács, Peter / / documentary essay
Örvény, Az / Free Fall - Private Hungary Part 10 / Kuilun partaalla - Yksityinen Unkari osa 10. © Peter Forgács; Balázs Bela Studio. D: Peter Forgács. Based on the home movies of György Petö from 1938-1944. M: Tibor Szemzó. Poems by János Pilinszy. 75’. Finnish translation by Anne Nádari. Yleisradio TV2 PAL transmission on Wednesday 11 February 1998. **** In search of lost time: a musical and poetic reconstruction of life in Hungary before the Holocaust. This is a companion piece to Il giardino dei Finzi-Contini: the small detail can be more devastating than bombastic effects. Thanks are due to the impressive work of the Finnish editors of the film.

Kalle Blomkvist - mästerdetektiven lever farligt

100600 / G / SE / 1996 / Carmback, Göran / drama
Kalle Blomkvist - mästerdetektiven lever farligt / Kalle Blomkvist the Master Detective / Kalle Mestarietsivä. © Svensk Filmindustri. D: Göran Carmback. Based on the novel by Astrid Lindgren. CAST: Malte Forsberg, Josefin Årling, Totte Steneby. 1,66. Finnish subtitles: Janne Staffans. DIST: Walhalla. Viewed in Helsinki, VET, Wednesday 11 February 1998. *** A remake of the famous children’s detective story by Astrid Lindgren. It is in the familiar, reliable style of the probably most successful Nordic film cycle, if we see the over twenty Lindgren films as such. The sunny atmosphere, the irreverence, the timeless aspects. The story could take place in the 1950s as well as today. Best of all, the child actors are good.

Le Silence de la mer / The Silence of the Sea

Jean-Pierre Melville: Le Silence de la mer / The Silence of the Sea (FR 1948). Howard Vernon (Werner von Ebrenac). "Je vous souhaite une bonne nuit".

/ / FR / 1948 / Melville, Jean-Pierre / drama / Meren hiljaisuus. FR © 1948 Melville Productions. EX: Pierre Braunberger. P+D+SC+ED: Jean-Pierre Melville – based on the novel by Vercors [Jean Bruller, 1941]. DP: Henri Decaë. M: Edgar Bischoff. CAST: Howard Vernon (Werner von Ebrenac), Nicole Stéphane (niece), Jean-Marie Robain (uncle). 86’ according to the BFI CD-ROM. B&w Academy. 35 mm print: Centre Culturel Français (Helsinki) / Ministère des affaires étrangères (France) ran 88’. Viewed in Helsinki, SEA, Cinema Orion, Tuesday 10 February 1998. **** Besides the Archive this film has only been seen in Finland on TV 20 years ago, when I first saw it. Now it had grown in laconic force. The exact cinematography, the precise composition and the strong music give tremendous impact to the simple, strange story of a German officer’s desillusion in Occupied France.

The Boxer

100599 / 16 / GB/IE/US / 1997 / Sheridan, Jim / / drama
Boxer, The / The Boxer. © Universal. P: Jim Sheridan, Arthur Lappin. D: Jim Sheridan. SC: Jim Sheridan, Terry George. CAST: Daniel Day-Lewis (Danny Flynn), Emily Watson (Maggie). 1,85. MPAA 35788. R = 17. Finnish / Swedish subtitles by Jaana Wiik / Stan Saanila. DIST: UIP Finland. Viewed in Helsinki, VET, Tuesday 10 February 1998. *** The third Jim Sheridan / Daniel Day-Lewis collaboration after My Left Foot and In the Name of the Father, another strong drama about the Troubles - in contemporary Belfast this time, and in the spirit of reconciliation. Danny returns from prison after 14 years, struggles to get in shape as a boxer and as a spiritual model for the boys of the ghetto. He has to fight ghosts from the past and face extreme violence. Daniel Day-Lewis looks different. No longer the gaunt youngster, he’s a grown-up man physically and spiritually. They say he does his boxing himself, and it does look impressive.

Ma vie en rose

100595 / 12 / FR/BE/GB / 1997 / Berliner, Alain / / drama
Ma vie en rose / Ruusuinen elämäni. © Haut et Court; WFE; Freeway Films; CAB; La Sept Cinéma; RTBF; TF1 Films Production. P: Carole Scotta. D: Alain Berliner. SC: Chris Vander Stappen, Alain Berliner. CAST: Jean-Philippe Ecoffey, Michèle Laroque, Georges Du Fresne. 1,66. Finnish / Swedish subtitles by Outi Kainulainen / Janne Staffans. DIST: Columbia TriStar Egmont Finland. Viewed in Helsinki, VET, Monday 9 February 1998. *** The story of a seven-year-old boy who thinks God made a mistake with the chromosomes and put a girl in his boy’s body. There is a scandal after another in this brightly colored drama mixing humour with tragedy.

John Grisham’s The Rainmaker

100592 / 12 / US / 1997 / Coppola, Francis Ford / drama / thriller
John Grisham’s The Rainmaker / John Grishamin Sateentekijä. © Mont Blanc Corporation; Bernina Films. A Paramount release. D+SC: Francis Ford Coppola - based on the novel by John Grisham. CAST: Matt Damon (Rudy Baylor), Claire Danes (Kelly Riker), Danny DeVito (Deck Schifflet), Jon Voight (Leo F. Drummond). 135’. Scope. MPAA 35679. PG-13. Finnish / Swedish subtitles by Jaana Wiik / Ditte Kronström. DIST: UIP Finland. Viewed in Helsinki, VET, Friday 6 February 1998. *** My favourite of the some five Grisham films I have seen. This one is the least frenetic and violent of them. It is a morality tale, told with humour and taking its time with the characters, interpreted by several first rate actors. Coppola’s flair of strong ensembles is in evidence here. It’s about the rookie lawyer defending a poor mother against a huge insurance company. The film is sober and wise and it confronts all the stereotypes about American lawyers. ”What’s wrong with ethics?” asks the young lawyer who keeps growing through the story by learning from his own mistakes. I like the film’s focus on nobility.

Prime Cut

080874 / 18 / US / 1972 / Ritchie, Michael / gangster
Prime Cut / Lihakirves. © Cinema Center Films. EX: Kenneth Evans. P: Joe Wizan. D: Michael Ritchie. SC: Robert Dillon. DP: Gene Polito. ED: Carl Pingitore. M: Lalo Schifrin. CAST: Lee Marvin (Nick Devlin), Gene Hackman (Mary Ann), Angel Tompkins (Clarabelle), Sissy Spacek (Poppy). 86’ according to the BFI CD-ROM. Scope cropped to wide; slightly letterboxed. Transmitted by Yleisradio TV2 on Saturday 31 January 1998 (Finnish broadcast TV premiere). 87’ at /25 fps/ PAL speed = 90’ /24 fps/. Viewed in Helsinki on VHS Thursday 5 February 1998. **** Brutal gangster film creates an atmosphere of terror without actually wallowing in gore. The impact is due to taut cinematic storytelling and strong production. It’s about the mob war between Chicago and Kansas City ganglords. Lee Marvin is the hitman sent to settle scores with Gene Hackman. It’s about drug traffic and prostitution where a local orphanage is used to recruit fresh young victims to be doped and prostituted. Sissy Spacek in her debut is the victim Lee Marvin saves from white slavery. The film has eerie scenes in the cornfields and amongst the sunflowers. It is like no other gangster film. Michael Ritchie truly was a master in these years.

German Natdisc Playlist for 17.19.01

100589 / G / DE etc. / 1998 / various / / music video
German Natdisc Playlist for 17.19.01 / Musiikkikooste 17-19-01. Compiled by Pioneer Video Manufacturing. DIST: Ulkokaupat Oy. Laserdisc. Projected at VET, Helsinki, Thursday 5 February 1998.
R.O.O.S.: Instant Moments *
Basis: Wenn ich nur noch einen Tag…
‘N Sync: Together Again
La Bouche: You Won’t Forget Me *
Young Deenay: Walk On By **
Stefan Raab: Es war Sommer (…und bei uns Winter) *
Licensed To Soul: Reunited *
Der Wolf: Frau aus Seide *
Amanda Marshall: Dark Horse ***
Usher: You Make Me Wanna **

Vapahtaja

A-027827 / G / FI / 1997 / Saarela, Saara / / fiction
Vapahtaja / Redeemer. © GNUfilms Oy. D: Saara Saarela. CAST: Irina Björklund, Soli Labbart, Niklas Åkerfelt. 5’. 1,85. 35 mm film projected on VHS in Helsinki, VET, Wednesday 4 February 1998. *** Atmospheric vignette about the Saviour visiting a café one night.

Peilikirkas päivä

A-027825 / G / FI / 1997 / Cantell, Saara / / drama
Peilikirkas päivä / A Mirror Clear Day. © Kinotar Oy. P: Lasse Saarinen. D+SC: Saara Cantell. DP: Rauno Ronkainen. CAST: Ismo Kallio, Tommi Korpela, Saara Pakkasvirta, Jatta Lukkari. 30’. 1,85. DIST: Kinotar Oy. Viewed in Helsinki, VET, Wednesday 4 February 1998. *** A fine short story about an old mirror-maker (Kallio) and a café-owner (Korpela) who is about to sculpt a fountain of ice.

Great Expectations (1997)

Alfonso Cuarón: Great Expectations (US 1997) with Ethan Hawke (Finnegan Bell), Gwyneth Paltrow (Estella), Anne Bancroft (Ms. Dinsmoor) and Robert De Niro (Arthur Lustig).

100585 / 12 / US / 1997 / Cuarón, Alfonso / drama
Great Expectations / Loistava tulevaisuus. © 20th Century Fox. P: Art Linson. D: Alfonso Cuarón. SC: Mitch Glazer - based on the novel (1861) by Charles Dickens. DP: Emmanuel Lubezki. Artwork: Francesco Clemente. CAST: Ethan Hawke (Finnegan Bell), Gwyneth Paltrow (Estella), Anne Bancroft (Ms. Dinsmoor). 111’. Scope. MPAA 35333. Rated R = 17. Finnish subtitles: Timo Porri. DIST: Columbia TriStar Egmont Finland. Viewed in Helsinki, VET, Wednesday 4 February 1998. *** Classic story modernized and set to a fishing village in Florida and the art scene of New York. It’s a feast for the eyes, and the art itself is in high class.

Irma Vep

Olivier Assayas: Irma Vep (FR 1996) starring Maggie Cheung.

100587 / G / FR / 1996 / Assayas, Olivier / drama / essay Irma Vep / Irma Vep. © Dacia Films. D+SC: Olivier Assayas. Film extracts: Les Vampires 3 – Le Cryptogramme rouge; Les Vampires 6 – Les Yeux qui fascinent; Heroic Trio; Classe de lutte. CAST: Maggie Cheung [Zhang Manyu], Jean-Pierre Léaud, Nathalie Richard. 98’. Shot in 16 mm, blown up to 35 mm 1,66. Spoken in French and in bad English. Finnish subtitles by Pekka Lanerva. DIST: Cinema Mondo. Viewed in Helsinki, VET, Tuesday 3 February 1998. * The good things include: Maggie Cheung, the Feuillade excerpts, and the final flash montage. Otherwise, this is a complete waste of time.

Madame Dubarry (1919) (1977 ZDF reconstruction Gerd Luft / Jürgen Labenski)

Ernst Lubitsch: Madame Dubarry (1919) starring Pola Negri. Poster by Theo Matejko.

010590 / 08 / DE / 1919 / Lubitsch, Ernst / / historical drama
Madame Dubarry / Madame Dubarry [cinema] / Madame Dubarry – kuninkaan jalkavaimo [this telecast]. © Projektions-AG Union. EX: Paul Davidson. D: Ernst Lubitsch. SC: Fred Orbing [Norbert Falk], Hanns Kräly. DP: Theodor Sparkuhl. CAST: Pola Negri (Madame Dubarry), Emil Jannings (Louis XV), Reinhold Schünzel (Count von Choiseul). B&w silent. Original length 2280 m /18 fps/ 110’. This telecast ca 120’. This was the ZDF 1977 reconstruction by Gerd Luft / Jürgen Labenski, with music by Hans Jönsson. Finnish subtitles by Arja Kataja. Yleisradio TV2 PAL telecast on 1 February 1998, later caught on VHS. ***

Overrated spectacle, not up to Lubitsch’s best comedies of the same time. And the version to show would be the Enno Patalas restoration from Munich Film Museum. For instance, from this TV version, the famous final shock image – the mob playing ball with Dubarry’s severed head – was missing. Also, the interesting use of vignettes could not be appreciated in this version.

Good Will Hunting

100584 / 12 / US / 1997 / Van Sant, Gus / / drama
Good Will Hunting / Will Hunting. © Miramax Film Corp. P: Lawrence Bender. D: Gus Van Sant. SC: Ben Affleck, Matt Damon. DP: Jean Yves Escoffier. CAST: Matt Damon, Robin Williams, Ben Affleck, Minnie Driver, Stellan Skarsgård. 126’. 1,85. Finnish / Swedish subtitles by Timo Porri / Janne Staffans. DIST: Scanbox Finland. Viewed in Helsinki, VET, Friday 30 January 1998. *** Probably one of the top ten films of the year, this is Gus Van Sant’s best achievement so far. It takes place between the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and South Boston: the elite and the underdog. Damon plays the boy wonder from the slums. He has become a delinquent, a multiple offender, on a serious downward spiral. He is noticed by the master mathematicist Skarsgård who finally finds for him a psychiatrist whom the boy cannot drive crazy - Robin Williams. There is true anger and true wisdom in the story. Gus Van Sant keeps developing his visual style, too, here together with his excellent DP Escoffier.

As Good As It Gets

100580 / 12 / US / 1997 / Brooks, James L. / drama / comedy
As Good As It Gets / Elämä on ihanaa. © TriStar Pictures. P+D: James L. Brooks. SC: Mark Andrus, James L. Brooks. CAST: Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, Greg Kinnear, Cuba Gooding, Jr. 138’. 1,85. Finnish subtitles by Timo Porri. DIST: Columbia TriStar Egmont Finland. Viewed in Helsinki, VET, Thursday 29 January 1998. *** New York stories of a misanthropic writer (Nicholson), a gay artist (Kinnear) and Helen Hunt as the only waitress in town who can stand Nicholson. It is a different and surprising story where one never can tell what will happen next. In the attempt at a relaxed tempo the film loses momentum, but it has interesting things to say.

Muistiratoja

A-027719 / G / FI / 1998 / Salmenhaara, Eero / documentary essay
Muistiratoja. © Kari Kekkonen Ky. D: Werneri Salmenhaara = Eero Salmenhaara. SC: Alpo Ruuth. FEATURING: Alpo Ruuth, Werneri Salmenhaara. 42’. 16mm. DIST: Kari Kekkonen Ky. VHS /PAL 25 fps: 40’/ projection in Helsinki, VET, Wednesday 28 January 1998. The filmmaker and the screenwriter, the well-known author Alpo Ruuth, share the common fate of paralysis. Together they travel the railway tracks running through the city of Helsinki. It’s a personal documentary essay.

The Celluloid Closet

Robert Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman: The Celluloid Closet (1995).

/ / US / 1995 / Epstein, Robert etc. / documentary
    Celluloid Closet, The / Luuranko kaapissa.
    US 1995 © Reflecting Image Ltd. D: Robert Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman. Based on the book by Vito Russo. Narration written by Armistead Maupin. M: Carter Burwell. Theme song: ”Secret Love” performed by k.d. lang.
    CLIPS: Their First Mistake, Morocco, Queen Christina, Red River, Calamity Jane, Rebecca, The Maltese Falcon, Ben Hur, Victim, Advise and Consent, A Walk On the Wild Side, Cruising, Making Love, Sunday Bloody Sunday, The Color Purple, Thelma & Louise, Boys On the Side, Philadelphia, Parting Glances, Desert Hearts, Pillow Talk, Caged, Silkwood.
    FEAT: Tony Curtis, Whoopi Goldberg, Richard Dyer, Gore Vidal, Farley Granger, Stewart Stern, Shirley MacLaine, Tom Hanks, Ron Nyswaner, John Schlesinger, Susan Sarandon. 101’.
    Telecast by Yleisradio TV2 ”25th Hour” on 27 January 1998 (PAL). Finnish commentary and subtitles by Petri Griinari, Tuija Westerholm. Below average transmission quality. Viewed in Helsinki on VHS on Saturday 31 January 1998. ****

A first rate compilation film about the hidden story of homosexual love in the history of the American cinema. The clips are marvellous and put in context get new resonance. The international dimension is completely missing. The first feature film depicting homosexuality was Wings (1916) directed in Sweden by the Helsinki-born Mauritz Stiller.

Cop Land

James Mangold: Cop Land (US 1997) with Harvey Keitel (Ray Donlan), Sylvester Stallone (Freddy Heflin), Robert De Niro (Moe Tilden) and Ray Liotta (Gary Figgis).

100578 / 16 / US / 1997 / Mangold, James / thriller

Copland / CopLand / CopLand. © Miramax Film Corp. EX: Bob Weinstein, Harvey Weinstein, Meryl Poster. D+SC: James Mangold. M: Howard Shore. CAST: Sylvester Stallone, Harvey Keitel, Ray Liotta, Robert DeNiro, Janeane Garofalo, Annabella Sciorra. 105’. 1,85. MPAA 35498. Rated R = 17. BBFC: 15. Finnish subtitles by Movision. DIST: Scanbox Finland. Viewed in Helsinki, VET, Tuesday 27 January 1998. *** Fine realistic police drama reaches dimensions of true tragedy as slow witted sheriff Stallone has to confront a team of corrupted top officers. Moving, elegiac score by Howard Shore.

Flubber

100577 / 8 / 5 / US / 1997 / Mayfield, Les / / comedy
Flubber / Maailman mahtavin mönjä. © Disney Enterprises. P: John Hughes, Ricardo Mestres. D: Les Mayfield. Based on the screenplay by Bill Walsh for The Absent Minded Professor / Hajamielinen professori (Walt Disney Company 1961). M: Danny Elfman. CAST: Robin Williams, Marcia Gay Harden. 93’. MPAA 35540. Rated PG-13. Finnish subtitles by Hannele Vahtera. DIST: Finnkino. Viewed in Helsinki, VET, Monday 26 January 1998. ** I have never seen the original and did not warm up to this remake. Loud noise and special effects cannot fill the void when style and warmth are missing.

Pornographic videos 23 January 1998

Stripper Nurses
100576 / 18 / US / 1997 / Holliday, Jim / / pornography
Stripper Nurses / Stark medicin / Vahvaa lääkettä. PC: Plush Entertainment. A Max’s release. D: Jim Holliday. CAST: Debi Diamond, Bionca, T.T. Boy, Nick East. 115’ /25 fps/ PAL. Finnish subtitles. DIST: Obsession Oy. VHS projection in Helsinki, VET, Friday 23 January 1998.

Shock
100571 / 18 / US / 1996 / Ninn, Michael / / pornography
Shock / Shock. © VCA Labs. A Max’s release. D: Michael Ninn. CAST: Shayla LaVeaux, Tyffany Million, Jon Dough, Peter North. 130’ /25 fps/ PAL. Swedish subtitles. DIST: Obsession Oy. VHS projection in Helsinki, VET, Friday 23 January 1998.

Pirate 1 - Fetish Hotel
100572 / 18 / FR / 1997 / Thring, Frank / / pornography
Pirate 1- Fetish Hotel. © Milcap Publishing Group. A Private / Max’s release. D: Frank Thring. CAST: Jessica, Reka, Ana. 74’ /25 fps/ PAL. Swedish subtitles. DIST: Obsession Oy. VHS projection in Helsinki, VET, Friday 23 January 1998.

Woodman Casting 4
100573 / 18 / FR / 1997 / Woodman, Pierre / pornography
Woodman Casting 4. © Milcap Publishing Group. A Private release. D: Pierre Woodman. CAST: Barby, Bettina, Laura, Pierre Woodman. 121’ /25 fps/ PAL. Swedish subtitles. DIST: Obsession Oy. VHS projection in Helsinki, VET, Friday 23 January 1998.

The Temptations of Clarisse
100574 / 18 / FR / 1997 / Clark, Christophe / pornography
Temptations of Clarisse, The / Clarisses frestelser / Gaia 5 - The Temptations of Clarisse. © Milcap Publishing Group. A Private release. D: Christophe Clark. CAST: Carmen, Hyapatia, Andrew Youngman, Christophe Clark. 75’ /25 fps/ PAL. Swedish subtitles. DIST: Obsession Oy. VHS projection in Helsinki, VET, Friday 23 January 1998.

Triple X Files
100575 / 18 / FR / 1997 / Clousot, F., etc. / / pornography
Triple X Files. © Milcap Publishing Group. A Private release. D: F. Clousot, A. Milo, C. Clark. CAST: Nicole, Angelica, Christina. 106’ /25 fps/ PAL. Swedish subtitles. DIST: Obsession Oy. VHS projection in Helsinki, VET, Friday 23 January 1998.

The Winter Guest

Alan Rickman: The Winter Guest (GB 1997) starring Emma Johnson and Phyllida Law.

100568 / G / GB / 1997 / Rickman, Alan / / drama / Winter Guest, The. © The Winter Guest Ltd. D: Alan Rickman. Based on the play by Sharman MacDonald. DP: Seamus McGarvey. CAST: Emma Thompson, Phyllida Law, Gary Hollywood. 106’. Finnish subtitles by Movision. DIST: Scanbox Finland. Viewed in Helsinki, VET, Friday 23 January 1998. ** The minimalistic chamber piece takes place on a cold day in a Scottish seacoast town. Excellent photography and performances don’t add up to a stirring experience.

Beavis and Butt-head Do America

/ 12 / US / 1996 / Judge, Mike / / animation
Beavis and Butt-head Do America. © MTV Networks. A Paramount release. D: Mike Judge. Tracks and performers include: ”Two Cool Guys” theme by Isaac Hayes; ”Lesbian Seagull” by Engelbert Humperdinck; tracks by White Zombie, Red Hot Chili Peppers, etc. Voice talent: Mike Judge, Demi Moore, Bruce Willis, Robert Stack. 81’ = 78’ /25 fps/ PAL. DIST: Finnkino. VHS projection in Helsinki, VET, Tuesday 20 January 1998. **** First rate animated feature succeeds in the difficult task of transcending the televisual origins of the material. Most of the Beavis and Butt-head routines are discarded. Instead, the story is based on the picaresque form. The film starts as the duo’s TV set is confiscated. During their quest of a new one they get to travel from coast to coast , become America’s Most Wanted criminals, darken the lights of Vegas, break the Hoover Dam and cause the worst freeway catastrophe in history. Well paced, with a solid soundtrack, and many good jokes.

Pornographic videos 20 January 1998

Andrew Blake: Paris Chic (US 1997).

Megameloner 4

100557 / 18 / US / 1997 / / / pornography
Megameloner 4. © Max’s. CAST: Meesha Lynn, Angelica Fox, Veronica Brazil, Holly Body. 126’ /25 fps/ PAL. Finnish subtitles. DIST: Obsession Oy. VHS projection in Helsinki, VET, Tuesday 20 January 1998.

New Wave Hookers 5 – The Next Generation
100558 / 18 / US / 1997 / Ninn, Michael / / pornography
New Wave Hookers 5 - The Next Generation. © VCA Labs. A Max’s release. D: Michael Ninn. CAST: Juli Ashton, Vicca, Peter North, Mark Davis. 118’ /25 fps/ PAL. Finnish subtitles. DIST: Obsession Oy. VHS projection in Helsinki, VET, Tuesday 20 January 1998.

Super Max’s Magazine 8
100559 / 18 / SE / 1997 / / / pornography
Super Max’s Magazine 8. © Max’s. CAST: Selena Steele, Jill Kelly, J.R. Carrington, Max Hardcore. 178’ /25 fps/ PAL. Finnish subtitles. DIST: Obsession Oy. VHS projection in Helsinki, VET, Tuesday 20 January 1998.

Nya nyp 9
100560 / 18 / SE / 1996 / / / pornography
Nya nyp 9. © Max’s. CAST: Tina Tyler, Sean Michaels, Stacey Valentine, Jessie James. 141’ /25 fps/ PAL. Finnish subtitles. DIST: Obsession Oy. VHS projection in Helsinki, VET, Tuesday 20 January 1998.

Paris Chic
100561 / 18 / US / 1997 / Blake, Andrew / / pornography
Paris Chic / Erotica 2. © Studio A Entertainment. A Max’s release. D: Andrew Blake. CAST: Lea Martini, Coralie, Anita Blond, Bruno Aissix. 92’ /25 fps/ PAL. Finnish subtitles. DIST: Obsession Oy. VHS projection in Helsinki, VET,Tuesday 20 January 1998.

Amistad

Steven Spielberg: Amistad (US 1997). Matthew McConaughey (Roger Sherman Baldwin), Djimon Hounsou (Cinque), Anthony Hopkins (John Quincy Adams), Morgan Freeman (Theodore Joadson).

Steven Spielberg: Amistad (US 1997).

/ / US / 1997 / Spielberg, Steven / historical drama

Amistad / Amistad. © DreamWorks. P+D: Steven Spielberg. CAST: Djimon Hounsou (Cinque), Matthew McConaughey (Baldwin), Anthony Hopkins (John Quincy Adams). 152’. 1,85. Spoken in English and Mende. Finnish subtitles by Janne Staffans. DIST: UIP Finland. Viewed in Helsinki, VET, Monday 19 January 1998. *** A pedagogical historical drama, a message picture about the 1839 Spanish slave ship rebellion of La Amistad. A meticulous production.

Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari

Das Cabinet des Dr. Caligari, poster by Theo Matejko. Please click to enlarge.

011308 / 16 / DE / 1920 / Wiene, Robert / / horror
Cabinet des Dr. Caligari, Das / Tohtori Caligarin kabinetti. PC: Decla-Film. EX: Erich Pommer. D: Robert Wiene. SC: Carl Mayer, Hans Janowitz. DP: Willy Hameister. AD: Walter Röhrig, Walter Reimann, Hermann Warm. CAST: Werner Krauss (Dr. Caligari), Conrad Veidt (Cesare), Lil Dagover (Jane), Friedrich Fehér (Francis), Hans-Heinz von Twardowski (Alan). Silent b&w toned. Originally 1703 m /18 fps/ 82’. ZDF 1983 reconstruction with music, not toned by Gerd Luft and Jürgen Labenski based on the 1923 re-release with material from the Munich and SDK Archives, ca 74’. Finnish subtitles by Riitta Piironen. Silent frame uglily cropped to Academy. With the edges cut off, the beautiful title cards turn illegible and the composition of the image is thrown off balance. Yleisradio TV2 transmission viewed in Helsinki, Sunday 18 January 1998. **** The film is one of a kind, still magnetic. One has to adjust to the twisted style to find the strange fascination and the black humour of the film. It is the first great zombie story of the cinema. This Luft / Labenski reconstruction was the best available 15 years ago, although the music and sound effects are best turned off at once. Today one should screen the 1995 Lumière Project restoration.

Pornographic videos 16 January 1998

Gregory Dark: The Devil in Miss Jones 5: The Inferno (US 1995).

The Devil in Miss Jones 5: The Inferno / Gregory Dark's DMJ5: The Inferno / The Inferno.

100552 / 18 / US / 1995 / Dark, Gregory / / pornography
Inferno, The / Satans slynor. © VCA Labs. A Max’s release. P: The Dark Bros. D: Gregory Dark. CAST: Juli Ashton, Felecia, Darcy McDaniels, Leslie Forbes. 93’ /25 fps/ PAL. DIST: Obsession Oy. VHS projection in Helsinki, VET, Friday 16 January 1998.

Woodman Casting 1
100553 / 18 / FR / 1997 / Woodman, Pierre / pornography
Woodman Casting 1 / Woodman Casting X 1. © Milcap Publishing Group. A Private release. D: Pierre Woodman. CAST: Blondie, Inna, Julia Channel, Pierre Woodman. 124’ /25 fps/ PAL. DIST: Obsession Oy. VHS projection in Helsinki, VET, Friday 16 January 1998.

Woodman Casting 2
100554 / 18 / FR / 1997 / Woodman, Pierre / pornography
Woodman Casting 2 / Woodman Casting X 2. © Milcap Publishing Group. A Private release. D: Pierre Woodman. CAST: Aliza, Barbara Doll, Christy, Pierre Woodman. 125’ /25 fps/ PAL. DIST: Obsession Oy. VHS projection in Helsinki, VET, Friday 16 January 1998.

Woodman Casting 3
100555 / 18 / FR / 1997 / Woodman, Pierre / pornography
Woodman Casting 3 / Woodman Casting X 3. © Milcap Publishing Group. A Private release. D: Pierre Woodman. CAST: Nikky Anderson, Betty, Diana, Pierre Woodman. 124’ /25 fps/ PAL. DIST: Obsession Oy. VHS projection in Helsinki, VET, Friday 16 January 1998.

Police Investigation 14 Jan 1998

Mikko Jylhä: Russian Sexmachine Rasputin (FI 1996) starring Gregory Smirnov, Alexandra Romanov and Isak Novgorod.

Pintaa syvemmältä
 / 18 / FI / 1992 / Koivisto, Kullervo / pornography
Pintaa syvemmältä. PC: Dawai Corporation. D: Kullervo Koivisto. CAST: Jorma K. Salonen, Ina Uni, Martin Bär, Michelle Brant. Director’s cut. 86’ /25 fps/ PAL. Police investigation. VHS projection in Helsinki, VET, Thursday 15 January 1998.

Russian Sexmachine Rasputin
 / 18 / FI / 1996 / Jylhä, Mikko /  / pornography
Russian Sexmachine Rasputin. PC: Reindeer Film Company / Nitoly. D: Mikko Jylhä. CAST: Gregory Smirnov, Alexandra Romanov, Isak Novgorod. 83’ /25 fps/ PAL. In English. Police investigation. VHS projection in Helsinki, VET, Thursday 15 January 1998.

Sabina Story 1
 / 18 / FI / 199- / Jylhä, Mikko /  / pornography
Sabina Story 1. PC: Calbourne Trading; Papillon Films. D: Mikko Jylhä. CAST: Sabina, Lynn Lemay, Edwin, Vivian. 75’ /25 fps/ PAL. International cut. In Spanish. Police investigation. VHS projection in Helsinki, VET, Thursday 15 January 1998.

Sabina Story 1
 / 18 / FI / 199- / Jylhä, Mikko /  / pornography
Sabina Story 1. PC: Calbourne Trading; Papillon Films. D: Mikko Jylhä. CAST: Sabina, Lynn Lemay, Edwin, Vivian. 85’ /25 fps/ PAL. Finnish cut. In Finnish. Police investigation. VHS projection in Helsinki, VET, Thursday 15 January 1998.

Maistuisiko sexi?
 / 18 / FI / 1996 / Kooma, Kauko /  / pornography
Maistuisiko sexi? / Do You Think I’m Sexy? PC: Sexy Sally Video Production. D: Kauko Kooma. CAST: Tiina, Berit, Wilma, Anne, Marco. 71’ /25 fps/ PAL. Dubbed in Finnish. Police investigation. VHS projection in Helsinki, VET, Thursday 15 January 1998.

Euro Clips Doppel
 / 18 / DE / 199- /  /  / pornography
Euro Clips Doppel / Euroturbo 2. Compilation edited by Sex-Shop Finland. 177’ /25 fps/ PAL. Dubbed in German. Police investigation. VHS projection in Helsinki, VET, Thursday 15 January 1998.

Amatöörivideot 1
 / 18 / FI / 1996 / Jylhä, Mikko /  / pornography
Amatöörivideot 1. PC: Calbourne Trading. D: Mikko Jylhä. CAST: Ilona, Virpi, Leena, Sepi, Martin. 81’ /25 fps/ PAL. Finnish commentary. Police investigation. VHS projection in Helsinki, VET, Thursday 15 January 1998.

Teiniorgiat 4 - Kiimainen kesä
 / 18 / FI / 1995 / Koivisto, Kullervo / pornography
Teiniorgiat 4 - Kiimainen kesä. PC: Calbourne Trading. A Seventeen Production release (Amsterdam). D: Kullervo Koivisto. Filmed in Estonia. 75’ /25 fps/ PAL. Finnish commentary. Police investigation. VHS projection in Helsinki, VET, Thursday 15 January 1998.

Pissa Video
 / 18 / FI / 1997 /  /  / pornography
Pissa Video. PC: PNG Productions. Filmed in Estonia. 56’ /25 fps/ PAL. Police investigation. VHS projection in Helsinki, VET, Thursday 15 January 1998.

Boogie Nights

Paul Thomas Anderson: Boogie Nights (US 1997).

100543 / 16 / US / 1997 / Anderson, Paul Thomas / drama Boogie Nights / Boogie Nights. © New Line Productions. EX: Lawrence Gordon. D+SC: Paul Thomas Anderson. Tracks and performers include ”Boogie Shoes” by K.C. & The Sunshine Band, ”Livin’ Thing” by ELO, ”You Sexy Thing” by Hot Chocolate. CAST: Mark Wahlberg (Dirk Diggler), Burt Reynolds (Jack Horner), Julianne Moore (Amber Waves), Heather Graham (Rollergirl). 152’. Scope. MPAA 34763. Rated R = 17. Finnish titles by Jari Niittylä. DIST: Warner Bros. Finland. Viewed in Helsinki, VET, Wednesday 14 January 1998. ****

The saga of the California porn movie business from the 1970s to the 1980s. A fast-moving excursion into a soulless, tawdry world. Required viewing for anybody interested in that huge, mysterious, and little explained industry. Great performers, great pop music selections.

The Front Page (1931)

Lewis Milestone: The Front Page (US 1931). Pat O'Brien as Hildy Johnson.

072986 / G / US / 1931 / Milestone, Lewis / drama / comedy

Etusivu uusiksi / Det stora reportaget. PC: The Caddo Company. P: Howard Hughes. D: Lewis Milestone. SC: Bartlett Cormack – based on the play by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur. CAST: Adolphe Menjou (Walter Burns), Pat O’Brien (Hildy Johnson), Mary Brian (Peggy Grant), Mae Clarke (Molly Malloy), Edward Everett Horton (Roy Bensinger), Slim Summerville (Irving Pincus). B&w Early Sound 1,2. 101’ /25 fps/ PAL = 105’ /24 fps/. This film was never released in Finnish cinemas nor on video. Yleisradio TV2 transmitted it in 1996 and again 11 January 1998. Transmission’s 16 mm start material had awful definition and poor sound, and the early sound aperture was uglily cropped. Viewed in Helsinki on VHS, Monday 12 January 1998. *** Because of the miserable TV print it was impossible to enjoy the film. But it is evident that this is a superbly acted version of the tough, almost horrifying, Hecht / MacArthur play. This Pre-Code version is probably the toughest of the four films based on the play, and in many ways more daring than the 1940 remake His Girl Friday. It was not such a big step for Hawks to turn Hildy into a woman. Not that Pat O’Brien is at all feminine, but in this version, too, it is obvious that the true love story is between Walter Burns and Hildy Johnson.

Anastasia (1997 Don Bluth & Gary Goldman animation)

Don Bluth & Gary Goldman: Anastasia (US 1997).

100541 / 8/5 / US / 1997 / Bluth, Don & Gary Goldman / animated
Anastasia / Anastasia. © 20th Century Fox. P+D: Don Bluth, Gary Goldman. SC based on the screenplay by Arthur Laurents for the 1956 20th Century Fox live action motion picture. Finnish voices: Petra Karjalainen, Paavo Kerosuo, Markku Riikonen. 94’. CinemaScope. MPAA 35550. Rated: G. Finnish version. DIST: Columbia TriStar Egmont Finland. Viewed in Helsinki, VET, Friday 9 January 1998. *** Breathtaking, sumptuous animated historical fantasy with a strong, temperamental central character and several engrossing setpieces (the runaway train, the butterfly dream). History is played for fairytale as the Russian Revolution is crystallized in the figure of Rasputin as the Mad Monk From Hell. The animation of the fantasy elements is first rate. The human characters are wooden, Anastasia fortunately being more lively. Everybody keeps praising the Finnish dubbing of the animated films, but I find it affected and condescending. Children should not be insulted by talking down to them, on the contrary, the standards should be higher.

Spawn

Mark A. Z. Dippé: Spawn (US 1997). Michael Jai White as Spawn.

V-003445 / 16 / US / 1997 / Dippé, Mark A. Z. / fantasy

Spawn / Spawn. © New Line Productions. P: Clint Goldman. D: Mark A. Z. Dippé. Based on the comic book by Todd McFarlane. DP: Guillermo Navarro. FX: Steve ”Spaz” Williams - Industrial Light & Magic. Music selections include performances by Incubus, Marilyn Manson, Prodigy, and Metallica. CAST: Michael Jai White (Spawn), John Leguizamo (Clown), Martin Sheen (Jason Wynn), Theresa Randle (Wanda), Nicol Williamson (Cogliostro), Melinda Clarke (Jessica Priest). 95’ /25 fps/ PAL. MPAA: PG-13. BBFC: 12. DIST: Warner Home Video Finland. VHS projection in Helsinki, VET, Thursday 9 January 1998. *** An astounding feast of special effects from Industrial Light & Magic, Spawn is full of sound and fury, signifying almost nothing. It is an exhibition of the state of the art of special effects.

The Arrangement

078229 / 16 / US / 1969 / Kazan, Elia / / drama
Arrangement, The / Tilinteko. © Athena Enterprises; Warner Bros.-Seven Arts. P+D+SC: Elia Kazan - based on his novel (Sopimus elämän kanssa in Finnish translation). DP: Robert Surtees. PD: Gene Callahan. CAST: Kirk Douglas (Eddie Anderson), Faye Dunaway (Gwen), Deborah Kerr (Florence Anderson), Richard Boone (Sam Anderson), Hume Cronyn (the lawyer), Harold Gould (the analyst). 125’. Scope. MPAA 22184. SEA / Warner Bros. print with Finnish / Swedish subtitles by Christina Kilpi / . Viewed in Helsinki, SEA, Cinema Orion, Wednesday 8 January 1998. *** The film definitely gains being seen within a week from America, America. Its protagonist is on his deathbed now, and we follow the life of his son. It’s ”about a man whose entire life is a series of phoney arrangements: his marriage, his work, his sexual escapades and his friendships”, to quote the synopsis of the BFI CD-ROM. Kazan’s ultra sharp dialogue is delivered with gusto by top performers. The film is marred by clumsy and overdone satire, awkward hallucinations and flashbacks, and irritating experiments without style of any kind. In many ways it’s terribly dated, but still retaining a sense of epic vision, especially in the context of America, America. Together they are a great counterpart to the Godfather trilogy.

Eurodisc Playlist for 14.64.12

100536 / G / US etc. / 1997 / various / / music video
Eurodisc Playlist for 14.64.12 / Musiikkikooste 14-64-12. Compiled by Pioneer Video Manufacturing. DIST: Ulkokaupat Oy. Laserdisc. Projected at VET, Helsinki, Wednesday 7 January 1998.
Natalie Imbruglia: Torn ***
Brand New Heavies, The: You’ve Got A Friend **
Rolling Stones, The: Anyone Seen My Baby? ***
Puff Daddy: It’s All About The Benjamins ***
Sly & Robbie Featuring Simply Red: Night Nurse **
Depeche Mode: Useless **
Joe Cocker: N’oubliez jamais qui tu es **
Jimmy Ray: Are You Jimmy Ray? **
Smash Mouth: Walkin’ On The Sun **
Barbra Streisand & Celine Dion: Tell Him *

German Natdisc Playlist for 16.24.12

100535 / G / DE etc. / 1997 / various / / music video
German Natdisc Playlist for 16.24.12 / Musiikkikooste 16-24-12. Compiled by Pioneer Video Manufacturing. DIST: Ulkokaupat Oy. Laserdisc. Projected at VET, Helsinki, Wednesday 7 January 1998.
Cappuccino: Du fehlst mir *
Lutricia McNeal: Ain’t That Just The Way **
Nana: He’s Comin’ *
Rhapsody, The, Featuring Warren G. & Sissel: Prince Igor **
Eros Ramazzotti: Quanto amore sei **
Touché: I Want You Back… **
Future Breeze: How Much Can You Take ***
Savage Garden: To The Moon And Back **
Refugee Camp All Starts Featuring Pras: Avenues **
Trademark: I’ll Be The One **

Eurodisc Playlist for 10.40.01

Janet Jackson: Together Again (US 1997). Original music video D: Seb Janiak. Choreography: Tina Landon.

100590 / G / US etc. / 1998 / various / / music video

Eurodisc Playlist for 10.40.01 / Musiikkikooste 10-40-01. Compiled by Pioneer Video Manufacturing. DIST: Ulkokaupat Oy. Laserdisc. Projected at VET, Helsinki, Thursday 5 February 1998.
Bryan Adams: Back To You **
U2: MOFO **
Janet Jackson: Together Again ***
Steven Houghton: Wind Beneath My Wings **
Boyz II Men: A Song For Mama **
Bobby Brown: Feelin’ Inside **
Shola Ama: Who’s Loving My Baby **
Louise: Let’s Go Round Again **
Genesis: Shipwrecked *
Steps: 5,6,7,8 *

Italian Legacy

100524 / 18 / IT / 1997 / Clark, Christophe / pornography
Italian Legacy / Gaia Private 4 - Italian Legacy. PC: Milcap / Private / Max’s. D: Christophe Clark. CAST: Monica, Petra, David Perry, Jonathan Morgan. 88’ /25 fps/ PAL 1,66. English version, Swedish subtitles. DIST: Obsession Oy. VHS projection Helsinki, VET, Monday 5 January 1998.

Reporter

100525 / 18 / FR / 1997 / Clark, Christophe / pornography
Reporter / Private Gold 18 - Reporter. PC: Milcap / Private / Max’s. D: Christophe Clark. CAST: Christophe Clark, Katarina Martinez, Violetta, M. Foster. 94’ /25 fps/ PAL. English version, Swedish subtitles. DIST: Obsession Oy. VHS projection Helsinki, VET, Monday 5 January 1998.

Sex Voyage

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When the Night Falls (1997)

Jürgen Woolf: When the Night Falls (FR 1997).

100527 / 18 / FR / 1997 / Woolf, Jürgen / / pornography

When the Night Falls / Private Gold 25 - When the Night Falls. PC: Milcap / Private / Max’s. D: Jürgen Woolf. CAST: Jade, Lenox, Roberto Malone, Philippe Dean. 90’ /25 fps/ PAL. English version, Swedish subtitles. DIST: Obsession Oy. VHS projection Helsinki, VET, Monday 5 January 1998.

Private Stories 19 – Upstairs

Private Stories 19 – Upstairs (SE 1997, Milcap / Private / Max’s).

100528 / 18 / / 1997 / / / pornography Private Stories 19 – Upstairs. PC: Milcap / Private / Max’s. CAST: Katalyn. 82’ /25 fps/ PAL. English version, Swedish subtitles. DIST: Obsession Oy. VHS projection Helsinki, VET, Monday 5 January 1998. Six episodes: Witchcraft, Upstairs, Ballgames, In the Picture, The Carpenter’s Workshop, Lucky Day.

Private Stories 26 – Unlimited

Private Stories 26 – Unlimited. Special Story starring Beata.

100529 / 18 / / 1997 / / / pornography Private Stories 26 – Unlimited. PC: Milcap / Private / Max’s. CAST: Beata. 94’ /25 fps/ PAL. English version, Swedish subtitles. DIST: Obsession Oy. VHS projection Helsinki, VET, Monday 5 January 1998. Six episodes: Make Some Room For Me, Forest Gang, Unlimited, Celia, Champagne Shower, Vivienne & Nicolette.

Private Stories 27 – Galactic Girls

Private Stories 27 – Galactic Girls (1997) starring Silvia Saint.

100530 / 18 / / 1997 / / / pornography Private Stories 27 – Galactic Girls. PC: Milcap / Private / Max’s. CAST: Angelica, Regina. Silvia Saint. 76’ /25 fps/ PAL. English version with Swedish subtitles. DIST: Obsession Oy. VHS projection Helsinki, VET, Monday 5 January 1998. Six episodes:
– Amongst Three
– The Pool
– Galactic Girls
– The Lover
– The Dancer
– The Sadist Chamber.

Triple X 29

Triple X 29 (SE/US 1997)

100531 / 18 / / 1997 / / / pornography

SE/US 1997. PC: Milcap / Private Media Group/ Max’s. 96’ /25 fps/ PAL. Sandy Black (as Petra Noir), Sandra Dark, Philippe Dean, Alain Deloin, Guy DiSilva, Frank Gun, Judith Kostner, Lennox, Nikki Lynn, Jonathan Morgan, Sean Rider, Silvia Saint, Lana Sands, Philippe Soine, Peggy Sue, Vanda, Eniko Wrabel (as Eniko), Andrew Youngman. English version with Swedish subtitles. DIST: Obsession Oy. VHS projection Helsinki, VET, Monday 5 January 1998. Seven episodes: Where’s the Waitress, Eniko, Sandra, Rescue in Hawaii, The Antique Car, Backstage In Italy, Just Not Married.

Triple X 30

Triple X 30 (SE 1997).

100532 / 18 / / 1997 / / / pornography Triple X 30. PC: Milcap / Private / Max’s. 96’ /25 fps/ PAL. English version with Swedish subtitles. DIST: Obsession Oy. VHS projection Helsinki, VET, Monday 5 January 1998. Seven episodes: Clarisse, Leather Lady, Nikky Anderson, We’re Not Gay, The Gynecologist, Backstage In Australia, Holiday Massage.

Some hard core porn videos were brought to the regular film classification process. Until November 1996 they had been banned, since then rated 18.

Triple X 31

100533 / 18 / / 1997 / / / pornography
Triple X 31. PC: Milcap / Private / Max’s. CAST: Erica Bella. 100’ /25 fps/ PAL. English version with Swedish subtitles. DIST: Obsession Oy. VHS projection Helsinki, VET, Monday 5 January 1998. Seven episodes: Lingerie Design, Dominator, Don’t Mess With The Mob, Picking Flowers, Nastasy, Report From Costa Brava, What A Birthday.

Triple X 32

100534 / 18 / / 1997 / / / pornography
Triple X 32. PC: Milcap / Private / Max’s. 95’ /25 fps/ PAL. English version with Swedish subtitles. DIST: Obsession Oy. VHS projection Helsinki, VET, Monday 5 January 1998. Seven episodes: The Ambulance, Angelica & Laura, South Africa, Home Sweet Home, Leader, Barcelona Erotic Film Festival, The Cabine.

Sokko

A-027826 / G / FI / 1997 / Koskinen, Susanna / documentary essay
Sokko / Blindfolded. © Kinotar Oy. P: Lasse Saarinen. D+SC+artwork: Susanna Koskinen. DP: Jouko Seppälä, Susanna Koskinen. Sound: Pietari Koskinen, Jaakko Nousiainen. ED: Mika Taanila. FEAT: Jyri Autio. 45’ /PAL/. DIST: Kinotar Oy. VHS projection in Helsinki, VET, Wednesday 4 February 1998. *** Jyri Autio was born blind. The film is a story of his quest of vision. The film itself is visionary, worth repeated viewing because of the exquisite blend of images and sounds.

Nosferatu (1988 Enno Patalas / ZDF restoration, Hans Erdmann score conducted by Berndt Heller)

F. W. Murnau: Nosferatu. Eine Symphonie des Grauens (DE 1922). Original poster art by Albin Grau.

011586 / 12 / DE / 1922 / Murnau, F. W. / / horror

Nosferatu. Eine Symphonie des Grauens / Nosferatu (video, TV). PC: Prana-Film. D: F. W. Murnau. SC: Henrik Galeen [based, unauthorized, on the novel Dracula by Bram Stoker]. DP: Fritz Arno Wagner. AD+CO: Albin Grau. CAST: Max Schreck (Count Orlok, aka Nosferatu = Dracula), Gustav von Wangenheim (Hutter = Jonathan Harker), Greta Schröder (Ellen Hutter = Mina), Alexander Granach (Knock = Renfield), John Gottowt (Bulwer = Van Helsing). Silent b&w toned, cinema M by Hans Erdmann arranged by Berndt Heller conducting Symphonie-Orchester Graunke. 1967 m /18 fps/ 95’. 1988 restoration by Enno Patalas / Munich Film Museum. Image and music edited by ZDF. Finnish TV premiere Yleisradio TV2. Finnish subtitles by Marja Hannula. Viewed in Helsinki, Sunday 4 January 1998. **** Still haunting. This restored version is incomparably better than the one that was available before the 1980s. Maybe they could correct the instability of light definition. This is maybe the fifth different score I hear to Nosferatu. This music is no worse than the others, but I was grateful for the opportunity to turn it off. The film becomes more compelling in total silence. It has a strong structure, rhythm and harmony of its own. Perhaps a master composer could succeed with a soundtrack. Tod Browning’s Dracula had little music except the theme from Tshaikovski’s Swan Lake. Carl Th. Dreyer’s Vampyr, which has almost no dialogue at all, has an overwhelming score by Wolfgang Zeller. It’s either way. No compromise works.

Ivanhoe

037002 / 12 / GB / 1952 / Thorpe, Richard / romance / adventure
Ivanhoe / Ivanhoe (TV) / Ivanhoe - musta ratsastaja (cinema). PC: MGM British Studios. P: Pandro S. Berman. D: Richard Thorpe. SC: Noel Langley - based on the novel (1819) by Walter Scott. DP: Freddie Young. PD: Alfred Junge, Roger Furse. M: Miklos Rozsa. CAST: Robert Taylor (Ivanhoe), Elizabeth Taylor (Rebecca), Joan Fontaine (Rowena), George Sanders (De Bois-Guilbert). 107’. Technicolor. MPAA Production Code Seal 15505. Yleisradio TV2 PAL transmission. Viewed in Helsinki, Sunday 4 January 1998. **** In the same league with the Curtiz / Flynn The Adventures of Robin Hood. Excellent production with stirring cinematography, design and music. The actors relish their chivalrous / villainous dialogue. The emphasis on the antisemitic persecution and the witch-hunt trial fuels the story with authentic passion. Elizabeth Taylor (the Gentile who converted to Judaism in 1959) is hauntingly beautiful as Rebecca, maybe the all-time greatest Jewish princess. Her eyes burn a trace of profound accusation.

Kuningasjätkä / A Summer by the River

Markku Pölönen: Kuningasjätkä (FI 1998). Simo Kontio (Topi).

Sommaren vid älven. A-027824 / G / FI / 1998 / Pölönen, Markku / drama / comedy. © Fennada-Filmi. P: Kari Sara. D+SC: Markku Pölönen. DP: Kari Sohlberg. ”Yö kerran unhoa annoit” performed by Olavi Virta. CAST: Pertti Koivula, Simo Kontio, Esko Nikkari, Anu Palevaara, Peter Franzen, Sulevi Peltola, Vesa Mäkelä, Heikki Kujanpää. 85’. 1,85. DIST: Fennada-Filmi. Viewed in Helsinki, VET, Tuesday 3 February 1998. *** In the mid-1950s in Eastern Finland the logrollers drive a large raft of logs along the river. The recently widowed Tenho joins them with his ten year old son. He becomes everyone’s laughing stock. The comedy of the hopelessly clumsy logroller’s turning into the King of the River is in homage to the Buster Keaton formula, which is a good act to follow. The humour is completely original, though. I still prefer Onnen maa (The Land of Happiness), but this is a first rate entertainment film, certain to become the blockbuster of the year in Finland in competition with Titanic.

Alien Resurrection

100570 / 16 / US / 1997 / Jeunet, Jean-Pierre / science fiction
Alien Resurrection / Alien - ylösnousemus. © 20th Century Fox. D: Jean-Pierre Jeunet. SC: Joss Whedon - based on characters by Dan O’Bannon and Ronald Shusett. DP: Darius Khondji. CAST: Sigourney Weaver (Ripley), Winona Ryder (Call). Scope. DIST: Columbia TriStar Egmont Finland. Viewed in Helsinki, VET, Monday 2 February 1998. *** Fascinating expansion of the slowly evolving Alien saga. Two hundred years later, Ripley has been cloned. A bunch of pirates invade the space station where the alien species is being recreated. Among them is Call, who is revealed to be an android. More horror than science fiction, the film belongs to the best in recent memory. The whole does not make a lot of sense, but the individual images are striking, indeed.

Zazel

Philip Mond: Zazel (US 1997) with Sasha Vinni and Gina LaMarca.

100513 / 18 / USA / 1997 / Mond, Philip / / pornography
Zazel / Zazel. Zazel: Philip Mond's Scent of Love / Zazel: The Scent of Love [dvd title]. PC: Metro Pictures Inc. A Max’s release. D: Philip Mond. CAST: Sasha Vinni, Gina LaMarca, Nikie St. Gilles. 127’ /25 fps/ PAL. DIST: Obsession Oy. VHS big screen projection Helsinki, VET, Friday 2 January 1998.

Sex (1994)

100514 / 18 / USA / 1994 / Ninn, Michael / / pornography
Sex / Sex. PC: VCA Labs. A Max’s release. D: Michael Ninn. CAST: Sunset Thomas, Tiffany Million, Gerry Pike, Jon Dough. 103’ /25 fps/ PAL. DIST: Obsession Oy. VHS big screen projection Helsinki, VET, Friday 2 January 1998.

Lollipop Shoppe

100515 / 18 / USA / 199- / Powers, Ed / / pornography
Lollipop Shoppe / Smått och gott / Pikkumakeaa. PC: Ed Powers / Sin City Entertainment. A Max’s release. D: Luc Wilder. CAST: Lexi Eriksson, Stephanie Swift, Tom Byron, Bret Singer, Ed Powers. 82’ /25 fps/ PAL. DIST: Obsession Oy. VHS big screen projection Helsinki, VET Friday 2 January 1998.

Babewatch 7

100516 / 18 / USA / 1996 / Adams, Buck / / pornography
Babewatch 7 - Babewatch Nights / Babewatch 7. PC: Sin City Entertainment. A Max’s release. D: Buck Adams. CAST: Amber Lynn, Holly Body, Buck Adams, Alec Metro. 61’ /25 fps/ PAL. DIST: Obsession Oy. VHS big screen projection Helsinki VET Friday 2 January 1998.

Erotic Visions

100517 / 18 / USA / 1995 / Grant, Cameron / / pornography
Erotic Visions / Venus. PC: Ultimate Pictures. A Max’s release. D: Cameron Grant. CAST: Jessica James, Tammy Parks, Olivia, Jen Teal. 90’ /25 fps/ PAL. DIST: Obsession Oy. VHS big screen projection Helsinki VET Friday 2 January 1998.

Cover To Cover

100518 / 18 / USA / 199- / Armstrong, Brad / pornography
Cover To Cover / Sexobjekt. PC: Wicked Pictures. A Max’s release. D: Brad Armstrong. CAST: Jenna Jameson, P.J. Sparxx, Mark Davis, Gerry Pike. 83’ /25 fps/ PAL. DIST: Obsession Oy. VHS big screen projection Helsinki VET Friday 2 January 1998.

Antonio e Cleopatra / Antonio & Cleopatra / The Love Nights of Anthony and Cleopatra (1996, hard core)

Joe D'Amato: Antonio e Cleopatra / Antonio & Cleopatra / The Love Nights of Anthony and Cleopatra (IT 1996). Olivia del Rio (Cleopatra), Hakan Serbes (Antonio).

100519 / 18 / IT / 1996 / D’Amato, Joe / / pornography

Antonio & Cleopatra / Anthony & Cleopatra / Cleopatra. PC: Butterfly Motion Pictures. D: Joe D’Amato [Aristide Massaccesi]. CAST: Olivia Del Rio, Nicolette, Hakan Serbes, Francesco Mal Com. 94’ /25 fps/ PAL. DIST: Obsession Oy. VHS big screen projection in Helsinki, VET, Friday 2 January 1998.

Mask

100520 / 18 / US / 1993 / Thomas, Paul / / pornography

Mask / Wow! PC: Vivid Video. D: Paul Thomas. CAST: Lene Hefner, Brittany O’Connell, Mark Davis, Nick East. 74’ /25 fps/ PAL. DIST: Obsession Oy. VHS big screen projection Helsinki, VET, Friday 2 January 1998.

Rock’n’Roll Rocco

Rocco Siffredi: Rock'n'Roll Rocco (IT 1997) starring Rosa Caracciolo, Rocco Siffredi.

100521 / 18 / IT / 1997 / Siffredi, Rocco / / pornography
Rock’n’Roll Rocco / Backstage. PC: Rocco Siffredi Productions. D: Rocco Siffredi. CAST: Rocco Siffredi, Rosa Caracciolo, Anita Blond, Anita Dark. 109’ /25 fps/ PAL. DIST: Obsession Oy. VHS big screen projection in Helsinki VET Friday 2 January 1998.

America America (1998 viewing of a vintage print)

Elia Kazan: America America (US 1963). Stathis Giallelis (Stavros Topouzoglou).

069715 / 16 / US / 1963 / Kazan, Elia / / drama

The Anatolian Smile / America, America! [Finnish title] / Amerika Amerika [Swedish title]. © Athena Enterprises Corporation. P+D+SC: Elia Kazan - based on his novel. DP: Haskell Wexler. PD: Gene Callahan. M: Manos Hadjidakis. CAST: Stathis Giallelis (Stavros Topouzoglou), Frank Wolff (Vartan Damadian), Paul Mann (Aleko Sinnikoglou), Linda Marsh (Thomna Sinnikoglou), Katherine Balfour (Sophia Kebabian). B&w Academy. 168’. MPAA Production Code Seal 20621. 35 mm SEA / Warner Bros. print with fine definition, Finnish / Swedish subtitles. Viewed in Helsinki, SEA, Cinema Orion, Thursday 1 January 1998. **** Close to perfection, this a great drama of the emigration to America. It is 1896 in Turkey, where the Christian Greeks are oppressed by the Turkish Moslems. Stathis has to endure trials of Biblical dimensions to get to Ellis Island. He is robbed, beaten, shot, embezzled by a whore, almost wed for money, taken to a rich lady passenger’s lover, and finally almost driven mad. He tries his hand at various professions, from a carpet merchant to a shoeshine boy. The deep focus cinematography and the production design are profoundly authentic. Manos Hadjidakis provides another stirring score. The film is let down by the flat English-language dubbing and the lack of authentic background sounds. Stathis Giallelis is fine but the role would have needed to be filled by someone with the charisma of Brando.

THE BEST OF 1997

Edgardo Cozarinsky: Le Violon de Rothschild / Скрипка Ротшильда (FR/FI/CH/HU 1996).

The Best New Films Released In Finland In 1997
Ridicule
Le cinquième élément / The Fifth Element
When We Were Kings

The Best Old Films Released In Finland In 1997
La ley del deseo / The Law Of Desire
The Killer
Bullet In the Head

The Best Re-Releases In Finland In 1997
Star Wars Trilogy The Special Edition
Vertigo, restored version
Lady and the Tramp
Le Mépris / Contempt, restored version

The Best Finnish Films Of 1997
Today / Tänään (Eija-Liisa Ahtila)
Underwater Iceland / Vedenalainen Islanti (Marko Röhr)
Minerva (Simo Halinen)
David - Tales Of Honor and Shame / Daavid - tarinoita kunniasta ja häpeästä (Taru Mäkelä)

Bubbling Under - Worth Seeing
Shine
The English Patient
Surviving Picasso
Mars Attacks!
Cold Comfort Farm
Mother Night
One Fine Day
The Crucible
Private Parts
Batman & Robin
Donnie Brasco
Kolja / Kolya
Contact
Basquiat
Microcosmos

The Best Video Premiere of 1997
The Many Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh / Nalle Puh (Walt Disney 1965 - 1977)

The Best Television Movie of 1997
Le Violon de Rothschild (Edgardo Cozarinsky)

The Best New Film at the Finnish Film Archive in 1997
Marcello Mastroianni: mi ricordo si io mi ricordo

The Best Film Event of 1997
Le Giornate del Cinema Muto in Pordenone. Comparable to what opening the Dead Sea Scrolls means to a Biblical scholar. The first films of Friese-Greene (1890). The first definitive Edison retrospective. The first complete Griffith retrospective launched. The Birth of A Nation restored with an astounding symphony orchestra accompaniment.

Coming Attractions of 1998 examined in 1997
Titanic - true grandeur and nobility in the best blockbuster of the 1990s
Event Horizon - the best horror film of the year
Double Team - the best action film of the year: Tsui Hark, Van Damme and Dennis Rodman

Films One Was Supposed To Like in 1997
Lost Highway, Lone Star, L.A. Confidential, Sling Blade, (1998:) U Turn

The Spy In Black

V-003434 / G / GB / 1939 / Powell, Michael / war / spy

Spy In Black, The / Kaksoisagentti. PC: Harefield Productions; Alexander Korda. EX: Alexander Korda. D: Michael Powell. SC: Emeric Pressburger - based on the novel by J. Storer Clouston. PD: Vincent Korda. M: Miklos Rosza. CAST: Conrad Veidt (Captain Hardt), Valerie Hobson (Joan the Schoolmistress / spy). B&w Academy. 79’ /25 fps/ = 82’ /24 fps/. DIST: Finnkino. A timecoded PAL VHS big screen projection in Helsinki, VET, Wednesday, 31 December 1997. *** The first collaboration of the dynamic duo Powell & Pressburger. They were brought together by Alexander Korda, who had been developing this project before either were called. This is the first Finnish release of the film, never seen in Finnish cinemas, television, or video distribution before. It was not banned during WWII, but would have had it been submitted to the Finnish Film Chamber. The story takes place in Scotland during WWI in 1917. Conrad Veidt the German submarine captain meets Valerie Hobson the British contraband. It would probably look great on film. A part of Finnkino’s great Alexander Korda package to be released on video, this belongs to their true discoveries.

I Know What You Did Last Summer

100510 / 16 / US / 1997 / Gillespie, Jim / / horror

I Know What You Did Last Summer / Tiedän mitä teit viime kesänä. PC: Mandalay Entertainment. D: Jim Gillespie. SC: Kevin Williamson - based on the novel by Lois Duncan. Music selections include performances by Kula Shaker, Toad the Wet Sprocket, The Offspring. CAST: Jennifer Love Hewitt (Julie James), Sarah Michelle Gellar (Helen Shivers), Ryan Philippe (Barry Cox), Freddie Prinze, Jr. (Ray Bronson). 102’. Scope. MPAA 35237. Rated R = 17. BBFC: 18. Finnish subtitles by Janne Staffans. DIST: Columbia TriStar Egmont Finland. Viewed in Helsinki, VET, Wednesday 31 December 1997. *** Strong horror picture follows the formulae of the slasher subgenre, but is distinguished by the interesting characterizations of the quartet of young friends. There is honesty and authentic detail in their relationships. This is why I prefer this film to Scream, which bored me with its would-be cleverness. The performances are fine, the suspense is well-built, the last two reels lose all depth, and the soundtrack selections are first rate.