Shameless Self Expression

Sam Waterston plays an American geologist in Turkey on business who seems to be the target for murder. Joseph Wiseman plays a local cop, Zero Mostel is a loud Turkish embassy official, and Yvette Mimieux plays a French singer with full-on  “Allo, Allo”  accent. Donald Pleasence turns up as a fidgety tobacco salesman who doesn’t smoke and whose company may not exist, and why is he always following Waterston around? Vincent Price plays a Persian archaeologist who is very obviously not what he claims to be. Shelley Winters and Stanley Holloway play husband and wife, and Ian McShane plays a hired killer.   This 1975 adaptation of the Eric Ambler novel was directed by Daniel Mann ( “Come Back, Little Sheba” ,  “Our Man Flint” ) and has a pretty fashionable cast for its time. The 1943 version had Orson Welles and Joseph Cotten, and is a bit of a critical darling. The 1975 version was dismissed by critics at the time, and has been relegated to obscurity. Vince...

Documentarian Kurt Kuenne tells the story of his friend Dr. Andrew Bagby, a well-loved and respected man murdered in cold-blood at just 28 years old. Kuenne frames this film as a tribute to his friend but specifically for Andrew’s son Zachary to understand the father who was tragically taken away from him before his birth. This would sadly not be the only tragedy documented before the film’s completion.   Whenever I see a discussion about the best true crime documentaries, this 2008 Kurt Kuenne film is almost always mentioned. As is the notion that it’s a devastating film that will emotionally wreck you. So if you’ve not seen the film, go ahead and watch it first. You should generally read my reviews afterwards anyway. Nonetheless, bear that description in mind because this film does seem to upset the vast majority of people who have seen it. I can definitely understand why, however my main emotion both times I’ve watched this film – yes, I’ve subjected myself to it twice over ...