Universal Studios: 100 years of dreams

Yes, one hundred years of "movie magic" are commemorated on April 30th. However much I love the so called seventh art, I've never considered myself a film buff or even a frequent "filmgoer"; but as soon as I started flicking through the fantastic Universal's website, I decided I should write this post with some of my favourite films produced by the renowned American studios. Needless to say, it's not easy to select a handful of titles when you're spoilt for choice indeed, as there are, literally, thousands of them. So after giving it a thought for a while, and clicking on a good deal of windows to refresh my memory, I came up with the list below. 

I've tried to include movies belonging to different genres and different decades, though funnily enough two were premiered the same year, 1973. Then you'll notice most of them were shot when I was just a kid or even before I was born but I treasure them dearly. I guess that's because I've always been really fond of classic films.

OK, without more ado, these are my top six "Universal flicks" arranged chronologically, from the oldest to the most recent.

DUCK SOUP (1933):

I know this is 1933 stuff and I was only a kid when I first watched it - those were the days of Spanish TV in black and white and a mere two channels!

I can't help laughing my head off no matter how many times I watch this hilarious satire by the great Marx Bros! This "war scene" is a fine classic example of their humour:

I just love those nutty, fast-delivered punchlines by Groucho, don't you?


PSYCHO (1960):

Possibly my favourite film of all time, at least the one I've seen most often, and indeed one that made a deep impression on me. The perennial "shower scene", with the blood-curdling music by Bernard Hermmann (do you remember Juanjo's lovely post?), still makes my hair stand on end! Psycho is a must-see movie for everyone, and especially for lovers of Mr. "McGuffin" Hitchcock's awesome thrillers.

But being my fave flick, I can't help embedding yet another fantastic scene, actually the one prior to the brutal stabbing, where Norman and Marion try to get to know each other a little better until ... Well, I won't give away anything. This is, to my mind, Anthony Perkins at his best!

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (1962):

There are many valid classic examples of the genre, but to me Robert Mulligan's brilliant adaptation of the Prize Pulitzer-winning namesake novel by Harper Lee is the archetypal, quintessential "courtroom drama". Gregory Peck was my unsung hero with his sober yet relentless defense of a black man wrongly accused of raping a white woman in the segregated "Deep South".

JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (1973):

"Too much Heaven on their minds".... how deeply moved I was by the title's meaning and, above all, by the shrill delivery of Carl Anderson as Judas in this amazing, ground-breaking rock opera stemmed from the factory of, who else, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Webber. 

There's a story behind this film, or rather, the soundtrack. I was only eleven or twelve and I had a neighbour, Mariano, who was a passionate music lover (how much I felt his passing when shortly afterwards he died). Well, he had this primitive Dual record player (the lid was the loudspeaker) where he would play his records all day long. In those days the building stairs were filled with the music of JCS, and to me the album was (never more suitably") like a "revelation". And this song in particular with the distinctive rock feel touched my heart.

THE STING (1973):
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There's always ample talk of the onscreen chemistry of legendary couples: There's Burton and Taylor, Gable and Leigh ... even Di Caprio and Winslet? (no way, ha ha!). 

Joking apart, the biggest, most adorable scam in movie history proved that an only-male chemistry is possible when these two lovable heartthrobs display their charms, isn't that right ladies?

How about this final scene with the familiar rag piece by Scott Joplin adapted for the screen by Marvin Hamlisch? How many times must have we whistled it!

OUT OF AFRICA (1985):

Last but not least, talking about onscreen chemistry, here's Robert Redford again, this time alongside my favourite actress, the unique Meryl Streep, in this delightful, multiple Award-winning romantic drama directed by Sydney Pollack. 

You know, if there's a time I wish I'd been on a plane in a movie I was watching, this one-off scene would be it: Redford and Streep holding hands while flying across the breathtaking landscapes of Kenya with the backdrop of John Barry's moving soundtrack. Simply mind-blowing!

Well dear students, this is my personal selection of best-loved "Universal" movies. Sure thing I could have included a bunch more but that's no big deal, as you can now complete this blog entry with your own favourite titles. So will you guys email me with at least one film you would like to feature on this post? I really look forward to it!

Gustavo: A brief look at the history of the “fiesta” of Villalar de los Comuneros

Every 23rd of April, the people of Castile celebrate the festival of their autonomous region, which is based on a well-known historic event.

In the location of what is today the village of Villalar de los Comuneros (Valladolid) took place the battle of Villalar, where Emperor Carlos V’s troops beat the army of commoners lead by Juan de Padilla (from Toledo), Juan Bravo (from Segovia – although he was born in Guadalajara) and Francisco and Pedro Maldonado (from Salamanca). 

Detail of the battle. Manuel Pícolo López (1887) 

The commoner troops rose up against the young King, Carlos I, son of Juana (called “la Loca”) and Felipe (called “el Hermoso”), to defend their privileges. In the Old Castilian Regime the governors had to obey a law based on the custom and the King Carlos, who had been born and raised in Gante (Flandes – the present Belgium) was seen by the Castilians as a stranger.

As he started to introduce foreigners in capital government positions such as Toledo’s archbishopric, where 20-year-old Guillermo de Croy followed the all-powerful Cardinal Cisneros, the conflict was early seen coming. And, obviously, the uprising started in Toledo.

The insurrection began to be called “community” and that’s the origin of the uprising’s name: commoner or “comuneros”. However, there are many historians that consider the uprising as a revolution, based on the development of the process. Let’s take a look.

The uprising spread to the cities of the Castilian plateau while the king was attending imperial matters in Germany. In his place, Regent Adriano de Utrecht (the future Pope Adriano VI – also a foreigner himself) couldn’t handle the situation, which ended up broadening the east kingdom of Valencia, in another conflict known as the “germanías”.

The commoners went to Tordesillas to talk to Queen Juana, where she was a recluse, to ask her to rule the kingdom according to the Castilian law, but she refused to betray her son as she had earlier refused to betray her husband and her father (Fernando “the Catholic”) even when both of them deemed her insane though probably she wasn’t.  

Anyhow, this situation was difficult to overcome for the commoners as they were gradually staying out of the current law, as I said before, a custom-based law. It was then when they took the decision to assume the functions of government and the uprising became an anti-seigneurial insurrection that they decided to support. After that, the Castilian nobility quickly abandoned its faltering attitude and sided with the king in a conflict that began to take new features. 

The final battle took place in Villalar on 23rd April, 1521. The end of the story is well-known: Juan de Padilla, Juan Bravo and Francisco Maldonado where beheaded the day after the battle and the commoners’ uprising was crushed (Padilla’s wife, María Pacheco, capitulated in Toledo one year later).  

The story of the Maldonados is more complex. At the first of the uprising, there were two, Francisco Maldonado, commissioned to direct the “salmantina” militias, and his cousin, Pedro Maldonado. Both of them shared the lead of the “salmantina” troops, but only one was beheaded the day after the battle of Villalar. Pedro Maldonado, heir to the “Casa de las Conchas” in Salamanca (as a member of the Maldonado-Pimentel’s family), was executed one year later together with other lesser-known leaders.  

Commoner captains executions. Antonio Gisbert (1860)

All in all, to explain why the Castilians celebrate a defeat symbolizes, from my point of view, the paradox of our history. The emperor’s troops won that day, but Castile lost pretty much in the long term, as supporting Emperor Carlos’s project largely conditioned and caused the ruin of the subsequent economic development.

Paloma: "Anonymous", a must-see film

I don´t know for sure if everybody likes going to the cinema like me, but I am certain that somebody will agree on the idea that “Anonymous” is a sight for sore eyes.

Some months ago, I had thought of enjoying this film, but I was left wanting. So I managed to take the opportunity Iast eek. Not only did the film, written and directed by Roland Emmerich and John Orlooff respectively, not dash my hopes, but actually was beyond my expectations. 

I wish to emphasize some of the reasons that a person could have to see it: 

The Plot: Anonymous is both a political thriller and a pseudo-historical drama.  It is a fictionalized version of the life of Edward de Vere - a courtier, playwright and poet in Elizabethan times - who is portrayed as a literary prodigy and the true author of Shakespeare´s plays.

In successive flashbacks, the film evokes the reputed life of the Earl of Oxford (Edward de Vere) from childhood, through emotional and political entanglements (the Queen´s lover, insurrection …) to his death.

All through the story, we see how De Vere is forced first to live in a repressive, puritanical household, then blackmailed into a loveless marriage, and finally he is compelled to renounce literature. Nonetheless, the protagonist struggles against the taboo of writing for the blue-bloods. What is more, in spite of the fact that his literary work is considered a dishonour to his family, he will secretly continue to write because of the sudden awareness of how powerful - in terms of propaganda - art is.  In this respect, the Earl will write “Henry V” and “Richard III” – as propaganda designed to ”foment” revolt.  However, the veiled attack fails … things rush and the story is progressively unfolded before our very eyes.

Setting: Visually, the film is dazzling. It is a brilliant display of Elizabethan London, which is exquisitely recreated. To attain this perfection, the film was shot for the first time with a special camera which enhances most of the period backgrounds. In keeping with that purpose, the recreation of the royal rooms and costumes is painstakingly designed.  While the plot is unfolded in the grey half-light of dawn and in the smoky rooms, a majestic fashion show of ruffs, farthingales and halberds - among countless attires and other antique objects - … is displayed.

Talking of the atmosphere of this marvelous conspiracy story, one thing that caught my attention was the light: the director fills the screen with lights and shadows. We watch scenes at first light or when the sun is beginning to fade. In this respect, one can feel either beauty without being touched up or the streets’ squalor too; in any case, the best scenes are those of the candle-lit interior.

The cast: Anonymous boasts a cast of pure gold, which I couldn't agree more. The cast is memorable and the film's depiction of the nobility is superb. 

The film opens with a theatrical prologue delivered by Derek Jacobi whose voice and diction delight everybody, I know for sure. 

The director casts Rhys Ifans, who gives a stunning performance in the part of the Earl of Oxford. In a strange way he seems ennobled by his character, imbued with the culture of the nobility. It is difficult to identify him with his well-known portrayal of Spike, the skinny, shameless, foul-mouthed man who likes to walk around in bare body in Nothing Hill. 

Vanessa Redgrave, who performs the part or Queen Elizabeth, is unsurpassable; the scene in which she gazes out of a window, her eyes full of regret, is unforgettable.

Joel Richardson, who is actually Redgrave's daughter in real life, plays the role of young Queen Elizabeth. 

Rafe Spall, in his role as Shakespeare, provides delightful comic relief.  

Edward Hogg is splendid as the hunchbacked Robert Cecil, who makes spectators shiver.

Some other considerations: Although some critics say that this fascinating yarn is “a vulgar prank on the English literary tradition” or “a brutal insult to the human imagination”, there are those who love it. They praise the film as ingenious as well as memorable. 

For my part, I just loved it. Firstly, the director and the script do an excellent job fitting the known facts to the thesis in view. In spite of the fact that “the literary establishment” have ruled unanimously in favor of Shakespeare, the film lends support to the Oxford Theory and is against Shakespeare.

Secondly, the storyline includes moral blackmail, illegitimacy - bastard sons -, incest, treason and murde. Moreover, the “Virgin Queen” is challenged by Orloff´s script (portrayed as somewhat “randy”).  Another point to bear in mind is the bunch of handsome men that come up in the film, which is not to be underestimated. 

Although the film received mixed reviews from critics, the only thing I want to add is that I find it one of the most exciting films I have seen in recent times, and, without fear of making a mistake, it is worth watching. You will remain stuck to your seat!

Thanks Paloma, the rather long wait for the entry has been worth it! Of course the finishing touch is the official trailer of Anonymous. It's only a pity that many of you failed to see the film ...

Feli: EOI Salamanca - A trip to England

Once again, with our enthusiastic teachers and organizers, Gregorio and José Luis, we have been to England. Though our hotel was in Bath, from there we went to visit different places, like Bath, Oxford, Stonehenge, Salisbury and Bristol. 

The bunch of "Romans"

First of all, I would like to say that it has been a memorable, very rewarding experience.

Secondly, I am going to talk about Bath, not because the other cities did not seem to me attractive or interesting, but so that other travelling classmates can speak of them.

Bath is not a very large city, as it has about 84,000 inhabitans. It is surrounded by hills which give wonderful views of the city. However, my first impression, when we were approaching the city, was a bit disappointing, perhaps because it was winter and the landscape was not as green as I had imagined.

Bath

We arrived at the hotel at noon. In the afternoon, with a warm sun and a better light, we walked across the main streets and saw some lovely monuments, as well as squares, shops and cafés. From that moment my mind changed completely, so much so that now I can say that I would like to live there for some months.

     

The Roman Baths

Bath is vibrant and modern, one of the most magnificent cities in Britain. It is a masterpiece of Georgian architecture, built with the distinctive honey-coloured Bath stone. With over 2,000 years of history, Bath has earned an exceptional reputation as a city of culture and hospitality and is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

     

The river Avon and Pulteney Bridge

During our stay we visited the world-famous Roman Baths, one of the best examples of preserved Roman architecture; also the 15th/16th century Gothic Abbey, with its superb fan vaulting ceilings and the vast stained glass windows; the iconic Royal Crescent and Circus square, inspired by Rome´s Colosseum; the Theatre Royal, with its impressive facade; the Assembly Rooms, where the fashionable society meet to have tea or enjoy various entertainments; the Jane Austen Centre, which tells the story of the author´s life experience in Bath; the Pulteney Bridge, with built-in shops within its structure; and last but not least, the beautiful River Avon, which encircles Bath and was once important as a trade route, but today it is mainly used for recreation. 

    

Indeed we also tasted the typical Cream Tea, consisting of homemade scones and clotted cream, and also some different kinds of traditional local English beer. 

Cream tea at the Pump Room

     

As I said before, I loved the whole city, but to me the Roman Baths were particularly impressive, not only for the lovely building itself, but for the history and legend around the baths. In Britain´s only hot spring, the Romans built a magnificent temple and bathing complex that still flows with natural hot water.

     

The construction of the baths only began once the hot spring had been controlled and the land around it was drained and dried out. The precise hydraulic engineering shows the skill of the Romans in the art of taming the springs.

      

It was a must-see destination for pilgrims seeking the guidance of the goddess Sulis Minerva and looking to heal in the curative waters.

     

A scale model of the original baths with the Temple of Minerva

At the Roman Baths visitors can see the remains and architectural fragments of the Temple of Sulis Minerva, as well as the well-preserved bathhouse, which was frequented by residents and pilgrims nearly 2,000 years ago. There are numerous other treasures, which have been unearthed through archeological excavations over the past 300 years. 

     

Nowadays, the Thermae Bath Spa combines five of the city´s buildings with the contemporary New Royal Bath. This is Britain´s only natural thermal spa. 

    

Finally, I can say that there are many fascinating places to see in Bath whatever your interests, and also great places to enjoy yourself and relax, so I strongly recommend you to visit it soon. It would be marvellous to go back again. 


Thank you so much, dear Feli, I was really looking forward to one of our "Bath Romans" writing an entry about the trip, so well done! Hopefully it won't be the last ...