13 Days in the Life of Picasso
“My misfortune — and my greatest happiness — is to be dominated by what I love. Everything I love goes into my paintings. Too bad if nothing goes together.” — Pablo Picasso
13 Days in the Life of Picasso explores the defining moments of the creator of some of the greatest works of the 20th century, including the suicide of his friend Carlos Casajemas and the bombing of the Basque town of Guernica.
Contents:
1. A portrait through his paintings, diary extracts and sketches.
2. Features interviews with the artist’s son and daughter
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Mystery of Picasso [1956] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
Under Fire [1983]
Under Fire was one of a trio of notable films from the mid-1980s about journalists involved in Third World war zones. While certainly a lesser film than Salvador (1986) or The Killing Fields (1984) Roger Spottiswoode’s movie is still a commendable work from a director who later brought a similarly political edge to Noriega: God’s Favourite (2000).
Nick Nolte plays an American photo-journalist covering the civil war in Nicaragua in 1979, finding himself caught in a dangerous and cynical web of duplicity and self-interest, as well as falling in love with fellow American, Claire (Joanna Cassidy). Nolte gradually uncovers the degree of his own government’s involvement with the corrupt regime, and inevitably ends up crossing the line from neutral observer to helping the rebel cause.
Under Fire is in essence a reworking of Casablanca, especially as Gene Hackman’s network newsman proves to be Cassidy’s ex-lover, yet thanks to an intelligent script, strong support from Ed Harris as a mercenary and some genuinely unnerving and frightening scenes of the random chaos of war, it’s one which packs a powerful punch. Jerry Goldsmith’s evocative score is among his best of the 1980s.
On the DVD: Under Fire is presented in an anamorphic 1.77:1 transfer which is very clean and clear with minimal grain. The well-mixed Dolby Pro-logic soundtrack is highly effective, if not so startling as a 5.1 track. Beyond multi-language and subtitle options, the only extra is the original trailer, which is also anamorphically enhanced. –Gary S Dalkin
Customer Review: Taking sides
Under Fire is one of the few mainstream American `political’ movies to emerge from the studio system, but along with Missing it’s probably the best. On one level it grafts a traditional romantic triangle onto its story of American war correspondents in Nicaragua gradually finding themselves drawn to taking sides instead of taking pictures, but at least it’s a convincingly grown-up relationship that allows Nick Nolte, Gene Hackman and a never better Joanna Cassidy to really shine. It’s a shame that Cassidy never got more opportunities like this: a last-minute replacement for Julie Christie, she’s extraordinarily good here. The film also boasts an impressive supporting cast, with a star-making turn from Ed Harris as an amiable but deadly mercenary a standout, although Jean-Louis Tritignant’s deceptively unsubtle CIA man gives him a run for his money (not so much for his performance - his English was non-existent and it’s obvious he’s learned his lines phonetically - but because he has most of the film’s best dialog). Extremely well directed by Roger Spottiswoode with a promise he never really fulfilled, it’s an impressive albeit partisan portrait of a country decaying in the last stages of revolution and also boasts what is possibly Jerry Goldsmith’s finest score (which is saying quite something). Impressive stuff. The DVD’s only extra is the superb theatrical trailer, although it does boast a decent widescreen transfer.
Customer Review: A film with new resonance
Set in civil war torn Nicaragua where the US was propping up the regime of a Dictator (Antonio Somoza) against a popular left wing uprising. Stars Nick Nolte Joanna Cassidy and Gene Hackman. The heroes all make poor choices and are flawed, for both good and bad reasons. The journalists become committed to one side in the conflict, and in this action harm those they wish to support, and yet ultimately an honest piece of reporting does produce change. Thus it addresses the eternal dilemma for journalists who must ask whether to remain passive or become active - record or participate? Now probably - “suppress or report”? Its resonance is the hypocrisy and arrogance of US foreign policy - then supporting South American Juntas through the 1980s and 1990s - and now… It is based upon a true story - the the death of journalist Bill Stewart at the hands of a Nicarguan soldier was filmed by a TV crew and really did change the course of a Civil war - but not before countless “less important” deaths. The film is driven along by an excellent soundtrack, which sucks you in as the tension builds. Weaved in this is an inevitable but credible love story. The leads all give strong performances. I think this film has been rather overlooked - perhaps it said too many things the American public did not want to hear. Better than Salvador. A policitical drama and love story about a murder set in a war! Worth a watch.
6″D Green Crystal Bowl - Picasso Collection - Bohemia Crystal - Made In Czech Republic
Paloma Picasso for Women 1.7 Oz (50 ml) Eau De Parfum Spray Unboxed Launched by the design house of Paloma Picasso in 1984, PALOMA PICASSO PERFUME is classified as a refined, woody, mossy fragrance. This feminine scent possesses a blend of many florals along with citrus, woods, and greens. It is recommended for evening wear. All our fragrances are 100% originals by their original designers. Satisfaction guranteed.
The Picasso of Big Band Jazz Customer Review: Picasso of Big Band Jazz Marty Paich
