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[personal profile] theladyrose
Ellie recorded the Ipcress File for me even though I didn't realize it was playing on TCM. I am tempted to keel over joyfully. The last time I saw this was on a really old VHS tape from the library on the wobbly TV set from the 80's in my parents' room. I shall hopefully figure out how to make the DVD recorder work and make myself a copy.

I almost forgot how much I love John Barry's score for the film. The Ipcress File soundtrack is the only soundtrack for which I paid $40-and it was worth every penny. Then again, I got the Japanese rerelease so that the sound quality was cleaned up and I didn't get the awful dialogue bits that crop up on Ryko release. This is one of the few monothematic scores (OK, there really isn't such thing as a completely monothematic score, but whatever) that I really enjoy. One of these days I'll actually come up with a good review for it, once I actually pick up some jazz terminology.

I for one actually like the strange camera angles as well. Funnily enough, my dad has the same coffee-maker as Harry Palmer.

I need to get a time machine to go back to the 60's.

(no subject)

Date: 2005-05-04 04:03 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] theladyrose.livejournal.com
Definitely agree with you there. It's one of the few spy series of the 60's to even try to incorporate a realistic feel, semi film noir-ish in feel despite the fact that it's shot in color. It's also one of the few spy series not to have bombastic brass blaring the entire time. John Barry's semi-minimalist score was an homage to Anton Karas's zither work on the Third Man.

On the topic of realistic 60's spy films, I've been meaning to watch The Spy Who Came in From the Cold for ages but haven't had the time to get around to it.

The Ipcress File

Date: 2005-05-05 04:20 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] dfordoom.livejournal.com
I like the way The Ipcress File combines the film noir feel you mentioned with a kind of absurdist black comedy. This applies even more to the second film in the series, Funeral in Berlin. And Michael Caine manages to be extremely cool, and rather dorky, both at the same time. I think it's the finest acting he ever did, because it's precisely what the film requires and allows the film noir/black comedy mix to work so well. It meshes perfectly with Guy Doleman's marvellous performance as Colonel Ross.

look out for <i>Sebastian</i>

Date: 2005-05-05 04:28 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] dfordoom.livejournal.com
On the subject of 60s spy movies keep an eye open for Sebastian. Directed by David Greene, made in 1968, it's a bizarre little film about Dirk Bogarde as the head of a team of all-girl code-breakers (yes, it is VERY 1960s!). It also features a wonderful performance by one of my favourite actresses, Susannah York, and it has John Gielgud in the cast as well. It's a combination spy thriller/romance/comedy/paranoia film/satire. Like all good 1960s spy films the plot is incomprehensible, but it has style, style and more style. If you happen to be (like me) a Dirk Bogarde fan as well then you’ll be in bliss. A very entertaining film, and essential viewing for 60s spy film fans.

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theladyrose

June 2010

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