Excellent analysis of "Moonrise" with thoughtful commentary on the Gothic aspects of a much underrated Film Noir classic film.Frank Borzage could have made a much better film had he the budget that Republic Studios had a reputation of denying its directors of.The one criticism I would give you is your brief description of Gail Russell's role,as Gilly Johnson, in selling the film's overall impact.Her dream-like beauty, along with her whisper-like voice, were keys to her great appeal to film audiences.Her relationship with Dane Clark, as Danny Hawkins,would eventually achieve healing, and that love,in the end, would prove redemption, and convince him that turning himself in to authorities was the right thing to do.
IMPORTANT NOTE: I discovered while editing this video that there are actually multiple pronunciations for Borzage's name given online. I initially pronounced it based on a few pronounciation videos I found. However, after listening to some old interviews with the director, I discovered his name is actually pronounced Bor-zay-gee (I guess this is what happens when RUclips removes the dislike button!) I didn't realize my mistake until pretty late in the editing process so I thought I'd just put this message out there for those who want to impress others with their Frank Borzage knowledge!
I really enjoyed hearing your review of Moonrise! When I started watching noir films, this one stood out for two reasons. First, the people in Dan’s life always have his best interest in mind. The noir formula usually gives the lead character a “me against the world” mindset. While Dan follows this pattern for a while, he eventually opens up to the people he trusts-Gilly and Mose. Again, if this were a typical noir, Gilly and Mose would use his vulnerability against him and have him arrested, betraying his trust. Instead, they firmly urge him to do what is morally right and turn himself in. Heck, even Sheriff Clem knows Dan is guilty and still lets him make his own decision. Second, the ending is unusually optimistic for a noir. Dan chooses the morally right option and is rewarded for following the law. Instead of taking matters into his own hands, he willingly surrenders to Sheriff Clem. Again, he is rewarded for doing what is right. I think that’s why I love this film so much. Dan has every opportunity (and you could argue, a fair reason) to run away and cover up the accidental murder. But because of Gilly, Mose, and the sheriff, he does what is right. We can assume that after serving his sentence, he lives a fairly normal life and finally escapes his father’s tainted legacy. This flips the noir formula on its head, but the audience is rewarded for taking Dan’s side because of his final decision. Another film that has a real dream-like atmosphere is The Magnificent Ambersons. Especially the outdoor winter scene where the camera jumps back and forth between the horse-drawn sleigh and the broken-down car. The visuals, combined with the music, create a really surreal feeling. I hope this wasn’t too long! Thank you again for talking about underrated movies, and I hope more people enjoy your content as much as I do!
Josh, Thanks for posting this video. I enjoy your channel and always look forward to new videos from you. You have a great knowledge of films and the film-making process. I enjoy hearing your thoughts about the classic films you feature on the channel. I have to personally thank you for pointing me to two classic films that I never saw before and have since purchased and LOVE...The Innocents and The Uninvited. You do a fantastic job on this channel. You deserve to have many, many more subscribers. I will do what I can to promote your channel to my family and friends.
Wow! This really means a lot! My goal with these videos has always been to introduce people to great films that they may not otherwise have seen or heard of so it makes me really happy to hear that it's working! Seeing such encouraging comments like yours these past few months has really reinvigorated my motivation to keep uploading!
With your question of a dreamlike movie, the first one that came to mind is “Wizard of Oz”… when Dorothy awakens greeted by the Munchkins and the Land of Oz. Definitely a movie I have always enjoyed… there’s no place like home.
Josh, Another great video and recommendation, and I enjoy your channel. As Halloween is coming up, maybe do a review of what I consider the granddaddy of Sy-Fy, Meterpolis(1927)! So many iconic images were borrowed from that film. It going to be 100 years old in 2027 and pray it will be re-released in theatres for a whole new generation to see and enjoy. Keep up the great job you are doing.
Great idea! I’ve actually got a few other videos in the works for Halloween already but now that you mention it, I might just do a Metropolis video in November! Thanks!
Please review the movie A Man Called Peter, it’s an AWESOME old movie from 1955! It’s about a Scottish man that is led by God to move to America and become a preacher there. I know it might be too religious for you, but trust me this movie is ✨Fantastic✨.
Enjoyed the review, glad to say the novel which the film was based on is being reprinted.
Excellent analysis of "Moonrise" with thoughtful commentary on the Gothic aspects of a much underrated Film Noir classic film.Frank Borzage could have made a much better film had he the budget that Republic Studios had a reputation of denying its directors of.The one criticism I would give you is your brief description of Gail Russell's role,as Gilly Johnson, in selling the film's overall impact.Her dream-like beauty, along with her whisper-like voice, were keys to her great appeal to film audiences.Her relationship with Dane Clark, as Danny Hawkins,would eventually achieve healing, and that love,in the end, would prove redemption, and convince him that turning himself in to authorities was the right thing to do.
IMPORTANT NOTE: I discovered while editing this video that there are actually multiple pronunciations for Borzage's name given online. I initially pronounced it based on a few pronounciation videos I found. However, after listening to some old interviews with the director, I discovered his name is actually pronounced Bor-zay-gee (I guess this is what happens when RUclips removes the dislike button!) I didn't realize my mistake until pretty late in the editing process so I thought I'd just put this message out there for those who want to impress others with their Frank Borzage knowledge!
I really enjoyed hearing your review of Moonrise! When I started watching noir films, this one stood out for two reasons.
First, the people in Dan’s life always have his best interest in mind. The noir formula usually gives the lead character a “me against the world” mindset. While Dan follows this pattern for a while, he eventually opens up to the people he trusts-Gilly and Mose. Again, if this were a typical noir, Gilly and Mose would use his vulnerability against him and have him arrested, betraying his trust. Instead, they firmly urge him to do what is morally right and turn himself in. Heck, even Sheriff Clem knows Dan is guilty and still lets him make his own decision.
Second, the ending is unusually optimistic for a noir. Dan chooses the morally right option and is rewarded for following the law. Instead of taking matters into his own hands, he willingly surrenders to Sheriff Clem. Again, he is rewarded for doing what is right.
I think that’s why I love this film so much. Dan has every opportunity (and you could argue, a fair reason) to run away and cover up the accidental murder. But because of Gilly, Mose, and the sheriff, he does what is right. We can assume that after serving his sentence, he lives a fairly normal life and finally escapes his father’s tainted legacy. This flips the noir formula on its head, but the audience is rewarded for taking Dan’s side because of his final decision.
Another film that has a real dream-like atmosphere is The Magnificent Ambersons. Especially the outdoor winter scene where the camera jumps back and forth between the horse-drawn sleigh and the broken-down car. The visuals, combined with the music, create a really surreal feeling.
I hope this wasn’t too long! Thank you again for talking about underrated movies, and I hope more people enjoy your content as much as I do!
Thanks for your great comment! Your analysis does an excellent job at showing why this film is so unique especially for a film noir!
Josh,
Thanks for posting this video. I enjoy your channel and always look forward to new videos from you. You have a great knowledge of films and the film-making process. I enjoy hearing your thoughts about the classic films you feature on the channel. I have to personally thank you for pointing me to two classic films that I never saw before and have since purchased and LOVE...The Innocents and The Uninvited. You do a fantastic job on this channel. You deserve to have many, many more subscribers. I will do what I can to promote your channel to my family and friends.
Wow! This really means a lot! My goal with these videos has always been to introduce people to great films that they may not otherwise have seen or heard of so it makes me really happy to hear that it's working! Seeing such encouraging comments like yours these past few months has really reinvigorated my motivation to keep uploading!
With your question of a dreamlike movie, the first one that came to mind is “Wizard of Oz”… when Dorothy awakens greeted by the Munchkins and the Land of Oz. Definitely a movie I have always enjoyed… there’s no place like home.
Josh, Another great video and recommendation, and I enjoy your channel. As Halloween is coming up, maybe do a review of what I consider the granddaddy of Sy-Fy, Meterpolis(1927)! So many iconic images were borrowed from that film. It going to be 100 years old in 2027 and pray it will be re-released in theatres for a whole new generation to see and enjoy. Keep up the great job you are doing.
Great idea! I’ve actually got a few other videos in the works for Halloween already but now that you mention it, I might just do a Metropolis video in November! Thanks!
the Loved one with a host of people paul williams, john Gielgud and liberace
Wow that does have a lot of big names in it! I’ll definitely have to check it out!
Please review the movie A Man Called Peter, it’s an AWESOME old movie from 1955! It’s about a Scottish man that is led by God to move to America and become a preacher there. I know it might be too religious for you, but trust me this movie is ✨Fantastic✨.
Thanks for the recommendation! I'll have to watch that!